Umbraculida

The Umbraculida is an order of gastropods, marine snails, which consists of a single family, the Umbraculidae. These snails are commonly known as umbrella shells, false limpets, or umbo shells.

Characteristics

Umbraculid snails possess a distinctive, flattened, and often umbrella-shaped shell. They are generally small, with most species measuring less than 5 centimeters in diameter.

The shell's shape and structure have adapted them to living in the intertidal zone, where they can withstand wave action and desiccation.

Umbrella shells also have a unique radula, a toothed ribbon in their mouth used for scraping algae and other food sources.

Environment

Umbrella shells are found in marine environments, primarily in the intertidal zone, clinging to rocks and other hard substrates. They are often found in areas with strong wave action.

Their distribution is global, with species occurring in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans.

References

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