Cellana howensis is a species of limpet, a type of marine gastropod mollusk, found along the rocky shores of the Southern Hemisphere. It is commonly known as the Howe Island limpet, a name reflecting its presence on the island of Lord Howe in the Tasman Sea, where it is a significant component of the intertidal ecosystem.
Description & Characteristics
Cellana howensis exhibits a characteristic conical shell, typical of limpets. Its shell color can range from a pale gray to a dark brown, often with streaks or blotches of darker hues. The shell’s outer surface is typically rough and textured, while the interior is smooth and pearly. Cellana howensis can reach a maximum size of about 3 centimeters in length, with adults typically measuring around 2 centimeters. This makes it a relatively small species compared to other limpets in its genus.
Habitat and Occurrence
Cellana howensis is primarily found in the intertidal zone, a region between the high and low tide marks. This zone is characterized by fluctuating water levels and exposure to air and sunlight. Cellana howensis typically inhabits the mid-intertidal zone, where it is exposed to the air for extended periods during low tide. It can be observed clinging to rocks, often in large aggregations, in locations ranging from sheltered bays to exposed coastlines. Its distribution extends across various marine zones, including the temperate and subtropical regions of the Southern Hemisphere.
Taxonomy
Cellana howensis belongs to the class Gastropoda, a diverse group of mollusks that includes snails, slugs, and limpets. Within this class, it is classified under the family Nacellidae, which encompasses a wide range of limpet species known for their distinctive conical shells. Although it is part of a well-defined order within Gastropoda, the Order for Cellana howensis is currently not assigned.
Feeding
Cellana howensis is a herbivorous species that feeds on algae, which it scrapes from the rocky surfaces it inhabits. They utilize a radula, a toothed ribbon-like structure found in the mouth of most gastropods, to scrape the algae from the rocks. This dietary strategy contributes to their ecological role in maintaining the balance of the intertidal ecosystem by controlling algal growth.
Image References