melaniadæ

pl. [Mod. Lat., ., melania; Lat. fem. pl. adj. suff. ( i ) dæ.] Zool .: A family of holostomatous gasteropods. Shells spiral, turreted, covered with a thick, dark colored epidermis; aperture often channeled or notched in front; outer lip simple; operculum horny, spiral to their bases. The animal has a broad, retractile muzzle; tentacles wide apart, the eye stalks are united; foot broad and short; mantle-margin, fringed; tongue long and linear. Mostly viviparous, and all fluviatile. They are found in the warmer regions of the world, especially in the southern portions of this country. Genera, Melania, Paludomus, and Melano psis. mě-lā-ni-an, 8. [MELANIA.] An individual of the family Melaniade (q. v.).