Eparellidae

Eparellidae is a family of marine gastropod mollusks, commonly known as the false limpets. These are prochsobranch snails belonging to the superfamily Rissooidea. They are characterized by their conical or limpet-shaped shells, which are typically coiled but often appear very flattened. The shell aperture is usually oval or rounded, and the columella may be smooth or have a slight ridge. Unlike true limpets, eparellids have a distinct head with tentacles and eyes, and they possess a radula for feeding. They are herbivores, grazing on algae and other organic matter found on rocks and substrates. Eparellidae are found in marine environments worldwide, though they are more common in tropical and subtropical waters. They inhabit intertidal zones and shallow subtidal areas. Several genera are recognized within the family, including Epalrelia, Alvania, and Pseudosetia. The taxonomy of this group has undergone revisions, with some species formerly placed in other families now assigned to Eparellidae. Their small size and often cryptic habitats can make them challenging to find and study.