This is family of sea butterflies, based on the
genus Clio. This family of molluscs has for a long time been
known as Clioidae, or the subfamily Clioinae in the family
Cavoliniidae, however recent genetic research has resulted in it being
placed in its own family. To prevent confusion with another family of
sponges, Clionidae, the ICZN changed the name of the family of
molluscs back to its original spelling Cliidae. The external shell is
transparent, fragile and colourless. Its shape is basically conical,
either straight or curved, with a rounded, ovate or triangular cross
section. Each side has a lateral rib. Thecate hydroids are sometimes
found attached to cliid shells. One member of the genus Clio, C.
pyramidata, is famous for its extraordinary method of asexual
reproduction. Under laboratory conditions, and also supposedly under
adverse conditions in the wild, a normal individual divides its body
transversely (strobilates) and a new individual is formed below the
body of the adult inside its shell. This "aberrant stage" as
it is called is characterised by a small animal with very little
anatomical differentiation. The NSW species are:
Clio cuspidata (Bosc, 1801)
Clio pyramidata Linnaeus, 1767