Larochea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Larochea |
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|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| (unranked): |
clade Vetigastropoda
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| Superfamily: |
Scissurelloidea
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| Family: |
Larocheidae
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| Genus: |
Larochea
Finlay, 1927
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| Type species | |
| Larochea miranda Finlay, 1927
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| Species | |
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See text |
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Larochea is a group of tiny, slug-like creatures that live in the ocean. They are a type of sea snail, which means they are molluscs with a shell, even if it's very small. These amazing animals belong to a scientific group called Gastropoda, which includes all snails and slugs. Larochea snails are part of the Larocheidae family.
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What are Gastropods?
Gastropods are a very large and diverse group of molluscs. This group includes all snails and slugs, both on land and in the water. They are known for their unique way of moving. Most gastropods have a muscular "foot" that helps them glide along surfaces. Many also have a shell, which protects their soft bodies.
Tiny Ocean Dwellers
Larochea snails are considered "minute" sea snails. This means they are very, very small. Many of these tiny snails live on the ocean floor. They often hide among rocks, sand, or even on seaweed. Their small size helps them fit into tiny spaces. It also helps them avoid larger predators.
Their Ocean Home
These little snails live in marine environments. This means they are found in the salty waters of the world's oceans. Some species of Larochea are known to live near New Zealand. The ocean provides everything they need to survive. This includes food, shelter, and places to lay their eggs.
Life and Habits
Because Larochea snails are so small, scientists are still learning a lot about them. However, we know some general things about how these types of sea snails live.
What They Eat
Many tiny sea snails are detritivores. This means they eat tiny bits of decaying plant or animal matter. They might also graze on algae or tiny organisms. They use a special ribbon-like tongue called a radula to scrape food. The radula has many tiny teeth.
How They Move
Like other gastropods, Larochea snails move slowly. They use their strong, muscular foot to glide. They often leave a trail of mucus as they move. This mucus helps them stick to surfaces. It also helps them slide smoothly.
Species of Larochea
The genus Larochea includes several known species. Each species has its own unique features. Scientists discover new species all the time. This helps us learn more about the diversity of life in our oceans.
Here are the species currently recognized within the genus Larochea:
- Larochea miranda Finlay, 1927
- Larochea scitula Marshall, 1993
- Larochea secunda Powell, 1937
- Larochea spirata Geiger & B.A. Marshall, 2012
