Callistoplacidae

Callistoplacidae is a family of small, marine snails in the superfamily Patelloidea. These snails are commonly called “false limpets” due to their resemblance to true limpets, but they are actually more closely related to keyhole limpets. The family includes 11 genera and over 50 species. They are found in all of the world’s oceans, but they are most diverse in the Indo-Pacific region.

Callistochiton expressus

Callistochiton antiquus

Characteristics

Callistoplacidae snails have a distinctive, flattened, oval-shaped shell with a low, conical apex. The shell is usually smooth or faintly striated and may be brightly colored. The shell is also often covered in periostracum, a thin, outer layer of organic material. The foot of these snails is large and muscular, enabling them to cling tightly to rocks and other hard surfaces.

Like other patellogastropods, Callistoplacidae snails are herbivorous and graze on algae using their radula, a ribbon-like structure with rows of teeth. These snails also have a pair of cephalic tentacles that are used for sensing their environment.

Environments

Callistoplacidae snails are typically found in intertidal and shallow subtidal zones, where they inhabit rocky shores and reefs. They are often found in areas with strong wave action. Some species are also known to inhabit deeper water environments.

Genera

The following genera are included in the Callistoplacidae family:

  • Callistochiton
  • Cellana
  • Cochliopella
  • Diodora
  • Fissurella
  • Glyphis
  • Lucapina
  • Megatebennus
  • Puncturella
  • Scutus
  • Sutilizona

References

For further information and more detailed descriptions of Callistoplacidae species, please refer to the following sources: