Definition: Nipponaphaenops is a genus of snailfishes in the family Sphingidae, known for their distinctive spiral patterns on their bodies. These snails are characterized by their elongated body shape and numerous spiral patterns that can be seen as they move through water or mud. The genus contains four species: Nipponaphaenops japonicus, Nipponaphaenops japonicus sp. nov., Nipponaphaenops japonicus