tsükloliids

Tsükloliids are a group of aquatic invertebrates belonging to the phylum Mollusca. These organisms are characterized by a single, coiled shell that houses their soft body. The shell typically spirals in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. Tsükloliids are found in a variety of freshwater and marine environments worldwide, inhabiting lakes, rivers, oceans, and even brackish waters. Their diet usually consists of algae, detritus, and small organic particles, which they scrape from surfaces using a radula, a ribbon-like tongue covered in tiny teeth. Respiration in tsükloliids occurs through gills. Reproduction is varied, with some species being hermaphroditic, possessing both male and female reproductive organs, while others have separate sexes. The larval stage, if present, is often planktonic, contributing to their dispersal. Many species are ecologically important as grazers, influencing algal populations. While generally small, their diversity in shell shape and size is notable. Classification within the tsükloliids is based on shell morphology, reproductive strategies, and genetic analysis.