Acmaea
Acmaea is a genus of small, marine, limpet-like sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Acmaeidae. These snails are commonly known as “limpets” or “true limpets,” and are often found clinging tightly to rocks in the intertidal zone. They are found in the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Indian Ocean. The genus Acmaea has been established as a distinct entity within the Acmaeidae family, and members are considered to be true limpets in distinction from other, less closely related marine gastropods.
Characteristics
Acmaea species are characterized by their conical, or dome-shaped, shells, which are typically smooth and often have a slightly off-center apex. These shells are usually less than an inch in diameter and are often colored gray, brown, or green. Some species exhibit distinctive patterns or markings, while others have a more uniformly colored shell.
Acmaea have a strong, muscular foot, allowing them to cling tightly to their rocky substrate. Their foot is also used for locomotion. They have a radula, a toothed structure used for scraping algae from rocks.
Habitat and Distribution
Acmaea species are found in the intertidal zone, from the high tide line to the low tide line. They prefer rocky shores and are often found in areas with strong wave action. Most species are found in the Pacific Ocean, with some species also found in the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean. Acmaea limpets are common along the coasts of California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia, as well as along the Atlantic coast of North America.
Diet and Feeding
Acmaea species are herbivores, feeding primarily on algae that they scrape from rocks using their radula. They are grazers that play an important role in maintaining the health of rocky intertidal ecosystems.
Reproduction
Acmaea species are dioecious, meaning they have separate sexes. Reproduction occurs when males release sperm into the water, which is then taken up by females. Fertilized eggs develop into free-swimming larvae that eventually settle on rocks and transform into adults.
Examples of Species
There are over 50 species of Acmaea, including:
- Acmaea digitalis
- Acmaea pelta
- Acmaea scabra
- Acmaea testudinalis
- Acmaea subrugosa