ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Freshwater mollusc

Okay kiddo, imagine you are sitting near a river or stream and you see these little animals that look like snails but they have shells that are more light-colored and they are not as pointy. These little creatures are called freshwater molluscs!

Molluscs are a type of animal that live in the water and have a soft, squishy body. They use their shell as a home to protect themselves from other animals in the water. There are different types of molluscs, like sea snails that live in the ocean, but freshwater molluscs live in rivers, lakes or streams.

These freshwater molluscs are very important for the ecosystem because they help to keep the water clean by filtering it. They eat algae, bacteria and other microscopic organisms that float in the water. Just like we need to drink clean water, animals in the water also need clean water to survive.

Sometimes people like to collect these freshwater molluscs and keep them as pets, but it is important not to take too many from their natural habitat. We need to respect and take care of the creatures that share the environment with us.

In conclusion, freshwater molluscs are small animals with squishy bodies and light-colored shells that live in rivers, lakes or streams. They are important for the ecosystem because they help to keep the water clean by filtering it. We should take care of these creatures and their natural habitats.