Velutinidae
Velutinidae is a family of small to medium-sized sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the superfamily Ptenoglossa. Members of this family are commonly known as “velvetsnails” or “false limpets”. They are found worldwide, primarily in intertidal and shallow subtidal habitats.
Characteristics
Velutinids are characterized by their smooth, often glossy shells. The shell is typically low-conical or flattened, with a wide aperture and a small, pointed apex. Some species have a distinct operculum, a hard plate that closes the aperture when the animal retracts into its shell.
The body of a velutinid is soft and fleshy. They have a muscular foot that is used for locomotion and a radula, a ribbon-like structure with rows of teeth used for scraping algae from surfaces. Some species are herbivorous, while others are carnivorous or omnivorous.
Environments
Velutinids are found in a variety of marine environments, including:
- Intertidal zones
- Shallow subtidal zones
- Rocky shores
- Seaweed beds
- Mangrove swamps
They are typically found on hard substrates, such as rocks, shells, and seaweeds. Some species are able to burrow into soft sediments.
References
For more information about Velutinidae, you can consult the following resources: