Tornidae

Tornidae is a family of small marine gastropod mollusks, commonly known as false-cochas or tiny cone shells. These snails are found in shallow to deep waters of tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide. They belong to the order Caenogastropoda and are characterized by their small, coiled shells, which are typically conical or turret-shaped. The shell sculpture can vary, but often includes axial ribs or spiral striae.

The family Tornidae was first described by the German zoologist Karl Wilhelm von Seidel in 1910. Members of this family are often found on sandy or muddy substrates, and some species are associated with specific habitats like seagrass beds or coral reefs. Their diet generally consists of algae or detritus, and they are typically herbivorous or detritivorous. Reproduction in Tornidae is usually oviparous, with females laying eggs in gelatinous masses or capsules.

Despite their widespread distribution, many Tornidae species are poorly known and have only been described from a limited number of specimens. Ongoing research continues to shed light on the diversity and ecological roles of this fascinating group of marine snails. Their small size and often cryptic nature make them challenging to study, but they represent an important component of benthic marine ecosystems.