Cylindrical lioplax facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cylindrical lioplax |
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| An 1870 drawing of the shell of Lioplax cyclostomatiformis | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Lioplax
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| Species: |
cyclostomatiformis
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| Synonyms | |
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Lioplax cyclostomaformis |
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The cylindrical lioplax (scientific name: Lioplax cyclostomatiformis) is a type of freshwater snail. It's an aquatic gastropod mollusk that breathes with gills. It also has a special lid called an operculum to close its shell.
This snail belongs to the family Viviparidae. It is found only in the United States.
Contents
What Does It Look Like?
The shell of the cylindrical lioplax is long and can grow to about 28 millimeters (1.1 inches). Its outer shell is light to dark olive-green. The inside of its shell opening, called the aperture, is bluish.
You can tell this snail apart from other similar snails in the Mobile River Basin. It has a different number of whorls (the spirals of the shell). Its size, patterns, and the angle of its spire (the pointed top) are also unique.
Where Does It Live?
The cylindrical lioplax is found only in the United States. It lives mainly in the Mobile River Basin in Alabama.
Historically, this snail has been found in several rivers and their smaller streams. These include the Alabama River, Black Warrior River, Coosa River, and Cahaba River. There was one report from the Tensas River in Louisiana. However, no other records or recent searches have confirmed its presence there.
Today, the cylindrical lioplax is known to live in only about 24 kilometers (15 miles) of the Cahaba River in Alabama. Scientists have looked for it in other rivers where it used to live, but they haven't found it.
Because of its shrinking habitat, this snail is considered an endangered species. It has been on the United States Fish and Wildlife Service list of endangered species since October 28, 1998.
How Does It Live?
Not much is known about the daily life of the cylindrical lioplax.
Its Home
This snail has a unique home compared to other snails in its family. It lives in isolated mud patches. These mud patches are found under large rocks in fast-flowing parts of streams and river shoals. Other snails of this type usually live in muddy areas along the edges of rivers.
What It Eats
Like other snails in its family, the cylindrical lioplax is thought to be a filter-feeder. This means it gets its food by filtering tiny bits of food from the water.
Its Life Span
Snails in the Viviparidae family can live for different lengths of time. Some have been reported to live from 3 to 11 years.
See also
In Spanish: Lioplax cyclostomaformis para niños
