Planorbis

Planorbis planorbis drawing

Planorbis is a genus of air-breathing freshwater snails, aquatic gastropod mollusks in the family Planorbidae, the ram's horn snails and their allies. These snails are characterized by their planispiral shells, which are coiled in a single plane, giving them a distinctive, flat appearance.

Description

Members of the genus Planorbis have shells that are coiled in a flat spiral, resembling a ram's horn. The shell is typically thin and fragile, with a smooth surface. The aperture is large and rounded, and the shell lacks an operculum. The body of the snail is elongated, with a head that bears tentacles and eyes at the base of the tentacles.

Habitat

Planorbis snails are commonly found in freshwater habitats such as ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers. They prefer environments with abundant vegetation, which provides both food and shelter. These snails are often found on submerged plants, rocks, and other surfaces.

Feeding

Planorbis snails are herbivorous, feeding primarily on algae and detritus. They use their radula, a specialized feeding organ, to scrape food from surfaces. In addition to algae, they may also consume decaying plant material and biofilm.

Reproduction

Planorbis snails are hermaphroditic, meaning that each individual possesses both male and female reproductive organs. They can self-fertilize or mate with another individual. Eggs are laid in gelatinous masses on submerged surfaces, and the young snails hatch directly from these eggs, bypassing a larval stage.

Species

The genus Planorbis includes several species, some of which are:

• Planorbis planorbis
• Planorbis carinatus
• Planorbis vortex

Significance

Planorbis snails play an important role in freshwater ecosystems. They help control algae growth and contribute to the breakdown of organic matter. Additionally, they serve as a food source for various predators, including fish and birds.

Related Pages

• Planorbidae
• Gastropoda
• Freshwater snail
• Radula
• Hermaphroditism