Clio (gastropod)

Clio is a genus of small, planktonic sea snails, also known as sea butterflies. They are pelagic opisthobranch gastropod mollusks within the family Cliidae.

Description:

Clio snails are characterized by their translucent, often colorless, shells, which are typically conical or needle-shaped. These shells are lightweight and fragile, an adaptation to their free-swimming lifestyle. The foot, typical of gastropods, is modified into a pair of wing-like parapodia that the animal uses for swimming through the water column. Clio species lack a mantle cavity and gills, respiring directly through their skin.

Distribution and Habitat:

Clio species are found in oceans worldwide, from polar regions to tropical waters. They are integral members of the zooplankton community and occupy various depths in the pelagic zone. Their distribution is often patchy and influenced by water currents and temperature.

Ecology and Behavior:

Clio snails are primarily filter feeders, using cilia to create currents that draw microscopic plankton and organic particles towards their mouths. They are, in turn, preyed upon by larger planktonic organisms, fish, and seabirds. Clio species are hermaphroditic, possessing both male and female reproductive organs. Reproduction involves the release of eggs into the water column.

Taxonomy:

The genus Clio has undergone taxonomic revisions over time. The classification of species within the genus can be complex and subject to ongoing research. Some notable species that have been classified within the Clio genus (though classification may vary depending on the source) include:

• Clio pyramidata Linnaeus, 1767
• Clio recurva (Childeren, 1823)