Life cycle, population dynamics and productivity of the larviparous mudsnail species Ventrosia maritima were investigated at low salinities (0·3–6 psu) in differentiated parts of a Mediterranean lagoon (Monolimni Lagoon). Monthly samples were collected during the period from February 1998 to February 1999 in both parts of the lagoon. Ventrosia maritima displayed an annual life cycle. Recruitment occurred in summer and autumn at the outer part of the lagoon and additionally in late winter at the innermost part. A positive correlation was found between the percentages of small individuals and salinity or sediment organic matter at the outer part. Growth practically ceased in winter. The mudsnail displayed remarkable densities and an increase in growth in spring at <1 psu indicating that it is highly tolerant to extremely low salinities. Population density showed a significant seasonal variation; it increased from early summer to autumn (30,000–40,000 individuals m−2) following the summer and autumn recruitment. No significant correlation between the density of V. maritima and several examined physicochemical variables was found; a negative correlation was observed between the density of the mudsnail and that of the co-occurring polychaete Streblospio shrubsolii. Secondary production calculated by the size–frequency method gave a mean annual density (N) of 9740 ind m−2, a mean biomass (B) of 1·66 g ash-free dry weight (AFDW) m−2 y−1, a production (P) of 4·51 g m−2 y−1 and a P:B ratio of 2·72 at the outer part of the lagoon and a N of 14,570 ind m−2, a B of 3·2 g AFDW m−2 y−1, a P of 9·9 g m−2 y−1 and a P:B ratio of 3·09 at the innermost part. At the innermost part of the lagoon, where the seawater renewal rate and hydro-dynamism were lower and the sediment finer and organically richer, V. maritima displayed more recruitment pulses, a larger body size and a denser and more productive population than the one at the outer part. Our findings are compared to published data for the direct-developing congeners V. ventrosa and V. truncata.