Sharp-Crest Elimia
ExploreInvertebrate
Sharp-Crest Elimia
elimia carinifera
The Sharp-Crest Elimia (Elimia carinifera) is a fascinating freshwater snail native to the pristine springs, spring runs, and cool streams of the southeastern United States, particularly in the Coosa and Tennessee River basins. As a member of the family Pleuroceridae, this small aquatic gastropod plays a vital role in its localized ecosystems by grazing on algae and organic detritus, which helps maintain water quality and clean rocky substrates. Its presence is often used by biologists as an indicator of good water quality and high dissolved oxygen levels. Because it inhabits fast-flowing spring runs, it has evolved a highly secure grip and a robust, streamlined shell to prevent being swept away by currents. Observing these tiny clean-up crews offers a glimpse into the delicate balance of freshwater stream ecology.
Habitat: Found in clear, cool, flowing freshwater springs, spring runs, and small streams with gravel or rocky substrates.
Appearance
This small snail features a robust, high-spired, conical shell that typically ranges from 1.2 to 2.5 centimeters in length. The shell is characterized by prominent, sharp spiral ridges or 'carinae' (crests) on the upper whorls, which give the species its common name. Shell coloration varies from a light yellowish-brown to an olive-green or dark brown, occasionally displaying faint brownish spiral bands. It possesses a dark, muscular foot used for crawling and a thin, horn-like operculum that it uses to seal its shell opening when retracted.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumMolluscaClassGastropodaFamilyPleuroceridaeGenusElimia
Category
InvertebrateRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
The ridges or 'crests' on its shell are thought to help stabilize the snail in flowing water by breaking up boundary layer currents.
They are slow-moving bio-indicators; a sudden drop in their population is often the first warning sign of agricultural runoff or chemical pollution in a spring system.
Unlike many common pond snails that breathe air using a lung-like sac, the Sharp-Crest Elimia relies entirely on gills and requires highly oxygenated water to survive.
Special abilities
Ability
Current-Resistant Grip
Possesses a highly muscular foot that secretes a strong adhesive mucus, allowing the snail to cling securely to rocks in swift spring currents.
Ability
High-Spired Streamlining
Its elongated, conical shell with sharp ridges reduces drag and turbulence, helping the snail maintain its position on rocky substrates.
Ability
Opercular Seal
Features a durable, proteinaceous operculum that fits tightly over the shell aperture, protecting the snail from predators and temporary desiccation.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 1-3 cm
- Weight
- 0.001-0.005 kg
- Lifespan
- 2-5 years
- Clutch Size
- 10-100
- Incubation
- 14-28 days
Diet & Feeding
Primary consumer that scrapes biofilms, microalgae, and organic debris off submerged rocks and woody debris using its specialized radula.
Primary Foods
- Periphyton
- Diatoms
- Filamentous algae
- Organic detritus
Foraging Method
- Grazing
Ecological connections
eaten by
Conasauga Crayfish
Cambarus conasaugaensis
Preys on young and adult snails, crushing their shells with powerful claws.
eaten by
Longear Sunfish
Lepomis megalotis
Consumes small snails whole, grinding down the shells in its pharyngeal mill.
competitor
Yellow Elimia
Elimia flava
Competes directly for algae and space on rocks in shared spring habitats.
Traits
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Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Sharp-Crest Elimia?
The easiest way to identify Sharp-Crest Elimia is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Sharp-Crest Elimia?
1-3 cm
How much does Sharp-Crest Elimia weigh?
0.001-0.005 kg
How long does Sharp-Crest Elimia live?
2-5 years
What does Sharp-Crest Elimia eat?
Primary consumer that scrapes biofilms, microalgae, and organic debris off submerged rocks and woody debris using its specialized radula.
Where is Sharp-Crest Elimia usually found?
Found in clear, cool, flowing freshwater springs, spring runs, and small streams with gravel or rocky substrates.
How does Sharp-Crest Elimia hunt?
Grazing
How many eggs does Sharp-Crest Elimia lay?
10-100
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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Where to spot
Park25 sightings12 species
Alabama, US
Fort Payne Boom Town Historic District
You might spot Cave Salamander and Pink Lady's Slipper.
View guide →
Park24 sightings12 species
Alabama, US
Fort Payne Main Street Historic District
You might spot Cave Salamander and Pink Lady's Slipper.
View guide →
Park23 sightings12 species
Alabama, US
Fort Payne Residential Historic District
You might spot Cave Salamander and Pink Lady's Slipper.
View guide →
