Potamididae is a moderately sized family of gastropods of about 12 genera and many species. Ecologically, potamidids are an important family of medium to large mollusks. Potamidids inhabit brackish waters in tropical and subtropical regions of the world (Rehder 1981). Potamidids have turreted, sculptured shells that range in length from 20 to 100 mm (% to 4 in). The shells are typically elongate, multiwhorled, and usually with strong spiral and axial sculpture. The sculpture varies in thickness from thin {Cerithided) to quite thick (Telescopium). These shells may be corroded with environmental acids and/or covered with mineral deposits. Potamidids are similar to ceriths except for radular and anatomical features. The potamidids are distinguished from other cerithioideans by having a small radula with a thin basal plate on the central teeth and having small mantle papillae (Healy and Wells 1998). Potamidids are mud dwellers, whereas ceriths reside in sandy substrate (Rehder 1981). The aperture is oval to angled with a degree of flaring on the outer portion of the lip and a clearly marked siphonal canal. The multispiral operculum is horny with a central nucleus (Healy and Wells 1998). On the Texas coast Potamididae is represented by one species, Cerithidea pliculosa, whose size ranges from 12 to 33 mm