Thestiidae

Thestiidae is a family of marine snails, specifically sea snails, belonging to the class Gastropoda. These mollusks are characterized by their coiled shells, which are typically small to medium in size and can vary greatly in shape and color depending on the species. The family is found in various marine environments, with many species inhabiting shallow waters, coral reefs, and rocky shores. Their diet generally consists of algae or small invertebrates. Reproduction in Thestiidae, like other gastropods, involves the release of eggs, which develop into larvae before settling to the seafloor and metamorphosing into adult snails. The exact number of species within Thestiidae is subject to ongoing taxonomic research and revision, but it encompasses a diverse group of marine gastropods. Their ecological role is often as grazers or detritivores, contributing to the health of their respective marine ecosystems.