Cyclostomatid

Cyclostomatid is a family of predatory marine snails belonging to the order Caenogastropoda. These snails are characterized by their distinctly operculate shells, meaning they possess a hard, calcareous operculum that seals the shell aperture when the snail retracts. The shells themselves are typically conical or turbinate, often brightly colored and ornamented with spines or ridges. They are found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide, inhabiting a variety of marine environments from shallow coral reefs to deeper offshore areas.

The diet of cyclostomatids consists primarily of other small invertebrates, such as polychaete worms and crustaceans, which they capture using a proboscis. Their predatory behavior is an important aspect of their ecological role within their respective habitats. Reproduction in cyclostomatids usually involves the release of eggs into the water column, with a planktonic larval stage that eventually settles and develops into a juvenile snail. Their distinctive shell morphology and predatory lifestyle make them a noteworthy group within the diversity of marine gastropods.