Heteropodidae

Heteropodidae is a family of marine snails, commonly known as wing-footed sea snails or thecarinates. These pelagic gastropods are found in tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide. They are characterized by their distinctive flattened foot, which they use for swimming. The foot is highly muscular and can be extended and contracted to propel the snail through the water. Some species have developed a sail-like structure on their foot, which they use to catch the wind and drift on the surface.

Heteropodids are carnivorous and feed on plankton, small crustaceans, and other small invertebrates. They are preyed upon by various marine animals, including fish, turtles, and seabirds. Their shells vary in shape and size, with some species having reduced or absent shells. The family is divided into several genera, including Atlanta, Carinaria, and Pterotrachea. These snails play a role in the marine food web, contributing to the distribution of nutrients and energy in pelagic ecosystems. Their unique adaptations for a pelagic lifestyle make them an interesting subject for marine biology research.