River Snail
Viviparus viviparus
This record describes Viviparus viviparus (species). Recorded family: Viviparidae. Recorded order: [unassigned] Caenogastropoda.
Identification and Appearance
This species will attain a maximum height of 40 mm, with 5 or 6 whorls. The shell is yellow-green with three distinct brown spiral stripes (that follow the direction of the whorls). The shell is opaque and slightly glossy and has an operculum. The umbilicus (navel) is inconspicuous, occurring only as a groove or notch. Viviparus contectus is very similar but has a sharp apex to the shell, whereas in V. viviparus it is blunt. In slowly moving waters, lowland rivers, canals and around the shores of lakes, on muddy substrate, usually not in small isolated standing waters. Requires high oxygen contents. Widespread in England, but fewer records from elsewhere in Britain.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Mollusca
- Family
- Viviparidae
- Genus
- Viviparus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
In slowly moving waters, lowland rivers, canals and around the shores of lakes, on muddy substrate, usually not in small isolated standing waters. Requires high oxygen contents.
Seasonal Activity
All year round.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in England, but fewer records from elsewhere in Britain.
About [unassigned] Caenogastropoda: the wider group
Order-level background for [unassigned] Caenogastropoda, the group containing Viviparus viviparus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
This is a smaller arthropod order with specialized ecological roles. Arthropods are the most diverse animal phylum, comprising over 80% of all known animal species with approximately 1.2 million described species globally.
Ecological role of the group
Members of this order contribute to broader arthropod ecosystem functions including decomposition, predation, and serving as food sources for vertebrates. Arthropod biodiversity is essential for ecosystem resilience.
Economic and practical significance of the group
While this order has limited direct economic impact, arthropods collectively provide ecosystem services worth trillions of dollars annually through pollination, decomposition, pest control, and nutrient cycling.
Recorded sources for this group: General entomology and arthropod research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of River Snail (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About River Snail
What is River Snail?
River Snail (Viviparus viviparus) is a species in the family Viviparidae, within the order [unassigned] Caenogastropoda.
Where is River Snail found?
Habitat: In slowly moving waters, lowland rivers, canals and around the shores of lakes, on muddy substrate, usually not in small isolated standing waters. Requires high oxygen contents.
When is River Snail active?
River Snail: seasonal activity - All year round..