Smerus

Smerus is a genus of freshwater snails belonging to the family Planorbidae, commonly known as ramshorn snails. These snails are characterized by their flattened, coiled shells that are typically discoid or planospiral. The aperture of the shell is usually rounded or ovate. Smerus snails are found in various freshwater habitats, including ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers, often in vegetated areas. They are primarily herbivorous, feeding on algae, decaying plant matter, and sometimes diatoms.

Reproduction in Smerus snails, like other freshwater gastropods, is often hermaphroditic, meaning individuals possess both male and female reproductive organs. They typically lay eggs in gelatinous masses, often attached to submerged surfaces. The genus Smerus is relatively small, with a limited number of described species. Some species may have specific geographical distributions. Due to their habitat preferences, Smerus snails can be indicators of water quality. Their presence or absence can sometimes reflect the health of their aquatic environment. Further research is ongoing to fully understand the ecological roles and biodiversity of Smerus within freshwater ecosystems.