The name Limacina retroversa describes the unique morphology of this sea snail, including its slug-like body and coiled, backwards-turning shell.

The genus name "Limacina" comes from the Latin word "limax" which means slug or "snail-like", and refers to the general body structure of L.

The internal body of L. retroversa, which contains various organs, including the digestive, reproductive, and nervous systems, is elongated and has a gelatinous, semi-transparent appearance.

[5] The life cycle begins with the hatching of L. retroversa eggs which release planktonic larvae into the water column.

Once metamorphosis is complete and the juvenile snails reach maturity, they are capable of reproduction and tend to continuously lay eggs weekly.

The primary reproductive organs are a pair of gonads that are located near the head of the L. retroversa which are responsible for gamete production.

Increasing ocean acidity due to the surplus of carbon poses a threat of decreasing L. retroversa populations.

Particularly during larval and early development stages, such acidity can lead to troubles, the failure of growth, and ultimately increased mortality.

The most prominent display of these hardships is shown through an inability to calcify and grow their calcium carbonate shells in a low pH environment.