Ampullariidae - The Pillow Snails of Freshwater Habitats

Ampullariidae is a family of freshwater snails, aquatic gastropod mollusks. They are commonly known as "pillow snails" or "ampullariids". The name "ampullarium" comes from the Latin word "ampulla", meaning "bottle", and refers to the shape of the shells of these snails, which resemble small bottles.

Ampullariidae are found in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and South America. They inhabit slow-moving or still bodies of water such as ponds, lakes, marshes, and rivers. Some species can tolerate brackish water and temporary flooding.

Ampullariidae are herbivores and feed on algae and other plant matter. They have a radula, a ribbon-like structure with tiny teeth that they use to scrape up their food.

The shells of Ampullariidae are usually large and elongated, with a wide mouth and a long siphon. The siphon is used for breathing and for withdrawing the snail's body into the shell when it feels threatened or needs to rest. Some species have a distinctive "collar" or "crown" on the neck of the shell, which can be used to distinguish them from other similar snails.

Ampullariidae are hermaphroditic, meaning that they have both male and female reproductive organs, and they reproduce sexually. They lay their eggs in a protected location such as under a rock or in a burrow, and the eggs hatch into larvae that look like small versions of the adult snails. The larvae go through several stages before settling on a substrate and undergoing metamorphosis to become adults.

Ampullariidae are often kept in aquariums as pets, and some species are considered to be good for beginners because they are relatively easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. However, they do require a large tank with plenty of hiding places and a varied diet that includes both algae and other plant matter.