Ferrissia californica

Ferrissia californica is a species of small freshwater limpet, an aquatic gastropod mollusk in the family Planorbidae.

Description

This species has a limpet like shell. In captivity the shell is clear but in the wild it is light to dark brown.

Distribution

This species originates from North America. It is introduced in several countries and islands including:

Habitat

Ferrissia californica lives in streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, etc. It can be found on rocks, wood debris, aquatic plants, and dead leaves.

Diet

Ferrissia californica eats mostly diatoms.

Life cycle

Ferrissia californica is a obligate self-fertilizer. It lays eggs that are 0.6 mm and contain one juvenile. The eggs hatch in about seven days. They mature at between four and five weeks. Adults are about 2 mm.

Human use

Ferrissia californica is found in the aquarium trade and is considered an aquarium pest.