Spert

Spert refers to a family of small, often white or translucent marine invertebrates belonging to the phylum Mollusca. While not a recognized scientific classification itself, "spert" is sometimes used colloquially to describe certain species within the gastropod class, particularly those with a reduced or absent shell. These creatures are typically found in shallow coastal waters, often inhabiting sandy or muddy substrates. Their diet usually consists of microorganisms or detritus filtered from the water or scraped from surfaces.

Many sperts exhibit a soft, elongated body, sometimes with a prominent foot used for locomotion. Their coloration can vary, though white and pale hues are common, likely for camouflage in their environment. Reproduction typically involves the release of eggs and sperm into the water column, leading to planktonic larvae that eventually settle and metamorphose into adult forms. Due to their small size and often cryptic nature, sperts are rarely observed by the casual beachgoer, but they play a role in the benthic ecosystem as consumers and a food source for other small marine animals. The specific species referred to by the term "spert" can vary regionally, making precise identification challenging without further context or scientific classification.