Lottia acutapex

, Lottia acutapex, Lottia acutapex

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Lottia acutapex is a species of limpet, a type of marine gastropod mollusk. It is a common and widespread species found in the intertidal zone of the Pacific coast of North America.

Description & Characteristics

Lottia acutapex is a small to medium-sized limpet, typically reaching a maximum size of about 20 mm in length. Its shell is conical in shape, with a pointed apex. The shell is usually a dark brown or gray color, often with lighter streaks or blotches. The shell is also relatively smooth, with only fine growth lines. The animal itself is a soft-bodied gastropod with a large foot that it uses to attach itself to rocks. The foot of Lottia acutapex is usually a dark gray or black color, often with a lighter margin.

Habitat and Occurrence

Lottia acutapex is typically found in the intertidal zone, the area of the coastline that is exposed to the air at low tide and submerged at high tide. It is often found on rocks, especially in areas with strong wave action. This limpet species thrives in the intertidal zone, ranging from the lower intertidal zone to the mid intertidal zone. It prefers rocky substrates, clinging tightly to the surface of the rock, often in areas exposed to direct sunlight. This species is found in a wide variety of habitats, including rocky shores, tide pools, and even on the underside of rocks.

Taxonomy

Lottia acutapex is a member of the family Lottiidae, which contains over 100 species of limpets found worldwide. The family Lottiidae belongs to the class Gastropoda, a diverse group of mollusks that includes snails, slugs, and nudibranchs. While the exact taxonomic order is debated, it is generally agreed that Lottiidae is part of a larger grouping within Gastropoda.

Feeding

Lottia acutapex is a herbivore, grazing on algae and other small organisms attached to the rocks. They use a radula, a toothed ribbon-like structure, to scrape off algae and other food sources. Lottia acutapex plays a vital role in the ecosystem by grazing on algae, preventing it from overgrowing and outcompeting other species.

Associated Species

Image References

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