Ancylidae

gastropod family

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Last updated

June 18, 2026

Quick Summary

The Ancylidae are a family of small, thin-shelled, conical freshwater snails. They are also known as freshwater limpets or river limpets. These gastropods superficially resemble marine limpets but live and feed on freshwater plants. The family is cosmopolitan, meaning they are found worldwide. They are related to the Planorbidae family.12

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gastropod
Classification
Ancylacea Limpets (Ancylidae), ramshorns (Planorbidae), and pond snails (Physidae); all restricted to freshwater habitats. Superorder Stylommatophora Mantle cavity a pulmonary sac; gonopores with common opening on right side or at most narrowly separated; shell conical to vestigial, heavily to weakly calcified;
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Ancylacea Limpets (Ancylidae), ramshorns (Planorbidae), and pond snails (Physidae); all restricted to freshwater habitats. Superorder Stylommatophora Mantle cavity a pulmonary sac; gonopores with common opening on right side or at most narrowly separated; shell conical to vestigial, heavily to weakly calcified;
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