Hydromylidae

Taxobox
name = Hydromylidae
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Mollusca
classis = Gastropoda
subclassis = Orthogastropoda
superordo = Heterobranchia
ordo = Opisthobranchia
subordo = Gymnosomata
familia = Hydromylidae
familia_authority = (Pruvot-Fol, 1942)
subdivision_ranks = Genus
subdivision =
*"Hydromyles"

"Hydromylidae" is a taxonomic family of small sea slugs, marine opisthobranch gastropod mollusks in the suborder Gymnosomata, the sea angels.

"Hydromyles" species are pelagic, carnivorous and viviparous.

Description

The small pelagic snails of the family Hydromylidae lack a shell (except in their early embryonic stage). They are carnivores, equipped with swimming parapoda (fleshy, winglike outgrowths), strong jaws and grasping tentacles, often with suckers resembling those of cephalopods.

A more comprehensive discussion can be found under the entry sea angel.

Genera and species within the family Hydromylidae

Genus "Hydromyles" Gistl, 1848
* "Hydromyles globulosus" (Rang, 1825)
** Distribution: East Pacific, North America, western Atlantic.
** Description: This pteropod seizes its prey with its radula. Contrary to most gymnosomatiids, this pteropod has no proboscis and no hooks. It is also unique by having, close to the anal aperture, a sac for hatching its eggs. The larvae develop in this sac and are born as fully developed snails.

References and external links

* Martoja, M., 1965. Sur l'incubation et l'existence possible d'une glande endocrine, chez Hydromyles globulosa Rang (Halopsyche Gaudichaudi Keferstein), gastéropode gymnosome. -- C.R. hebd. Séanc. Acad. Sci. Paris, 260: 2907-2909.
* [http://www.sea-slug.com/species/umiusi256.jpgphoto of "Hydromyles globulosus"]