Rhipidia

Rhipidia is a genus of marine gastropod mollusks, commonly known as sea snails, belonging to the family Rissoidae. These small to medium-sized snails are found in shallow to moderately deep waters across various oceans, particularly in temperate and subtropical regions.

The shells of Rhipidia species are typically ovate or conical, with a relatively smooth surface, although some may exhibit fine spiral or axial sculpture. The aperture is usually oval and can be covered by an operculum, a hardened plate that seals the opening when the snail retracts into its shell. The coloration of the shells varies, often displaying shades of white, brown, or gray.

Rhipidia are benthic organisms, meaning they live on the seafloor. They are often found on rocky substrates, among algae, or on sandy bottoms. Their diet consists primarily of algae and diatoms, which they scrape from surfaces using a radula, a ribbon-like structure covered in tiny teeth.

Reproduction in Rhipidia follows the typical pattern for gastropods, involving external fertilization and the release of egg masses. The larval stages are planktonic, drifting in the ocean currents before settling to the seafloor to metamorphose into juvenile snails.

While not typically of significant commercial value, Rhipidia play a role in the marine ecosystem as grazers and as a food source for other marine animals. Their presence and diversity can serve as indicators of the health of their benthic habitats.