Calyptraeacea

The superfamily Calyptraeacea comprises marine gastropod mollusks, commonly known as slipper shells or cap shells. These snails, belonging to the subclass Prosobranchia, are characterized by their humped or flattened shells, which contain a distinctive decklike partition inside.12

Slipper shells are found globally in shallow waters, often attaching themselves to rocks or inhabiting the empty shells of other mollusks. A notable characteristic of many species within this superfamily is sequential hermaphroditism, where individuals begin life as males and later transform into females. They reproduce through internal fertilization, with females releasing numerous microscopic larvae that disperse before settling and metamorphosing.13

The Atlantic slipper shell (C. fornicata) is a common example, found along the Atlantic coast of North America and introduced to other regions where it can be a nuisance in oyster beds.1