Overview
The flat pebblesnail is a freshwater snail in the family Hydrobiidae. The flat pebblesnail is found attached to clean, smooth stones in rapid currents of river shoals and is currently found in the Cahaba River drainage. This species has not been found in the Coosa River since the construction of Lay and Logan Martin Dams.
Scientific Name
Identification Numbers
Characteristics
Physical Characteristics
Snails in this family are small with adults of many freshwater species reaching a maximum length of 1 to 2 millimeters. The flat pebblesnail is relatively large in comparison, with adults reaching lengths of 3.5 to 4.4 millimeters.
The umbilical area is imperforate, or has no opening, and there are 2-3 whorls which rapidly expand.
Life Cycle
Its life span appears to be one year based on observations of captive individuals at the Alabama Aquatic Biodiversity Center.
This species lays its eggs in capsules on hard surfaces underwater.
Little is known about the life history of this species.
Habitat
The flat pebblesnail is found attached to clean, smooth stones in rapid currents of river shoals.
A natural body of running water.
Food
Similar species of hydrobiids feed on algae and or detritus.
Geography
This species was historically found in the mainstem Coosa River and in the Cahaba River and its tributary the Little Cahaba River. This species is currently found in the Cahaba River drainage. It has not been found in the Coosa River since the construction of Lay and Logan Martin Dams.
Timeline
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