Murchisonella

Murchisonella is a genus of minute, sinistrally coiled, marine gastropod molluscs. These snails belong to the family Murchisonellidae, which is part of the superfamily Vanikoroidea. Murchisonella species are characterized by their small size, typically measuring only a few millimeters in length, and their distinctively coiled shells. The shells are often thin and translucent, exhibiting a sculpture of fine axial riblets and sometimes spiral striae. The aperture is typically ovate, and the columella is smooth and often slightly produced.

These gastropods are found in marine environments worldwide, inhabiting a range of substrates including sandy bottoms, mudflats, and rocky shores. They are often associated with seagrass beds or algae. The exact feeding habits of Murchisonella are not fully understood, but they are generally considered to be detritivores or micrograzers. Their small size and cryptic nature make them challenging to find and study in their natural habitat.

The genus Murchisonella was established by William John Broderip in 1836. There are several described species within the genus, though taxonomic classifications can sometimes be subject to revision based on new research and morphological or genetic data. Fossil records indicate the presence of Murchisonella and related forms dating back to the Paleogene period, suggesting a long evolutionary history for this group.