Planoceridae
Planoceridae is a family of sea snails, marine gastropod molluscs in the superfamily Planaxioidea. The family includes about 60 species in 10 genera. These small snails are common in intertidal and shallow subtidal zones around the world, with a particular abundance in tropical and subtropical regions.
Common Names
Members of the Planoceridae family are often referred to as "planocerids" or "planaxids".
Characteristics
Planocerids are characterized by their flattened, oval-shaped shells that are typically smooth or have fine spiral ridges. The aperture of the shell is wide and often has a thickened outer lip. The shell is usually thin and translucent, with a variety of colors, including white, gray, brown, and yellow.
These snails are herbivorous and typically graze on algae, diatoms, and other microscopic organisms. They have a radula, a toothed ribbon-like structure, that they use to scrape food from surfaces. The radula is a distinguishing feature of gastropods and other molluscs.
Environment
Planocerids are found in a variety of intertidal and shallow subtidal environments, including rocky shores, sandy beaches, mudflats, and mangroves. They are often found in areas with high wave action and strong currents. These environments can be challenging for marine life, but planocerids are well-adapted to them.
Planocerids are important members of their ecosystems, playing a role in controlling algal growth and providing food for other marine animals. They are also a source of food for humans in some parts of the world.