microlaevad

Microlaevad is a genus of small, marine gastropod molluscs belonging to the family Muricidae, commonly known as murex or rock snails. These snails are characterized by their relatively small size, typically measuring only a few millimeters in length. The shells of microlaevad species often exhibit intricate sculpturing, with axial ribs and sometimes spiral cords, though these features can vary significantly between species. Their aperture is generally narrow and elongated.

The distribution of microlaevad is primarily in tropical and subtropical marine environments. They are benthic organisms, meaning they live on the seafloor, often found in shallow coastal waters, on rocky substrates, or within coral reefs. Like other muricids, microlaevad are carnivorous predators, feeding on other invertebrates such as bivalves, polychaete worms, and even other gastropods. Their predatory behavior often involves drilling small holes through the shells of their prey to access the soft tissues within.

Reproduction in microlaevad follows the typical pattern for gastropods, involving internal fertilization and the laying of egg capsules. The larvae are planktonic for a period before settling to the seafloor and metamorphosing into juvenile snails. Due to their small size and often cryptic nature, microlaevad are not as widely studied as some of their larger muricid relatives, and the specific ecological roles and population dynamics of many species remain areas for further research.