Bithynia canyamelensis facts for kids

Bithynia canyamelensis is a tiny freshwater snail. It's a special kind of mollusc that lives in water and has a gill to breathe, just like a fish! It also has a little "door" called an operculum that can close its shell opening. This snail belongs to a group called gastropods, which includes all snails and slugs. It's part of the Bithyniidae family.

About the Bithynia canyamelensis Snail

What is a Snail?

A snail is a type of animal known as a mollusc. Most snails have a spiral shell on their back that they can pull into for protection. They move slowly on a muscular "foot." Snails can live in many places, like on land, in the ocean, or in fresh water.

Special Features of This Snail

The Bithynia canyamelensis is a freshwater snail, meaning it lives in rivers, lakes, or ponds. It has a gill, which is an organ that helps it take oxygen from the water. This is different from land snails that breathe air. It also has an operculum. Think of this as a small, hard lid attached to its foot. When the snail pulls into its shell, the operculum closes the opening. This helps protect the snail from predators and keeps it from drying out if the water level drops.

Where Does the Bithynia canyamelensis Live?

This particular snail species is found in a very specific place:

• The Balearic Islands

The Balearic Islands are a group of islands in the Mediterranean Sea, off the eastern coast of Spain. This snail is considered "endemic" to these islands. This means it is found naturally only in the Balearic Islands and nowhere else in the world. This makes it a unique and important part of the local wildlife.