Lottia conus is a species of marine snail that belongs to the family Lottiidae, commonly known as limpets. This species is distinguished by its conical shell, which is characteristic of its genus.
Description & Characteristics
Lottia conus exhibits a distinctive conical shell, typically reaching a maximum size of around 20 mm in length. Its color varies, often displaying shades of gray, brown, or reddish hues. This species is often found clinging to rocks and other hard substrates in intertidal zones.
Habitat and Occurrence
Lottia conus thrives in intertidal zones, particularly in the rocky areas of the Pacific Ocean. Its distribution extends from Alaska to California, making it a prominent inhabitant of the near shore marine environment. This species is adapted to the challenges of the intertidal zone, which is exposed to air during low tide and submerged during high tide. It is classified as a member of the neritic zone, encompassing the coastal waters of the ocean.
Taxonomy
Lottia conus is classified within the Class Gastropoda, a diverse group of mollusks that includes snails, slugs, and sea slugs. Its family, Lottiidae, is specifically known for its members, the limpets, which are characterized by their conical shells.
Feeding
Like many other limpets, Lottia conus is a herbivore, primarily feeding on algae that grow on rocks and other surfaces in its habitat. Its strong, muscular foot allows it to firmly attach itself to its substrate, enabling it to scrape algae with its radula, a specialized feeding structure.
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