Cerithiidae

/ˌsɛrɪˈθiːɪdi/ noun

Definition

A family of small marine snails with spiral shells found in saltwater and brackish environments around the world.

Etymology

From Greek 'kerithion' (a type of worm or snail) plus the Latin suffix '-idae' used in taxonomy to denote a family of organisms. The term became standardized in malacology (the study of mollusks) during the 19th century.

Kelly Says

These tiny snails are so successful that they've adapted to live in almost every marine habitat—from coral reefs to mudflats—making them one of the most diverse snail families on Earth with thousands of species.

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