Viviparidae
| Viviparidae Temporal range:
| |
|---|---|
| An alive but retracted individual of Viviparus contectus, showing the operculum | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Gastropoda |
| Subclass: | Caenogastropoda |
| Order: | Architaenioglossa |
| Superfamily: | Viviparoidea |
| Family: | Viviparidae J. E. Gray, 1847 |
| Diversity | |
| 125–150 freshwater species | |
Viviparidae, commonly called river snails, are a family of freshwater snails with gills and a protective lid (operculum). Their family tree is complex, and genetic evidence suggesting some species in this family don't fit neatly into traditional groups. These snails are native lakes and rivers across Europe, Asia, and parts of North America. Some, like Cipangopaludina japonica, have become invasive thanks to their ability to adapt.