Cellana
Cellana is a genus of limpets, a type of marine gastropod mollusk, belonging to the family Patellidae. Limpets are characterized by their conical shells and strong, muscular foot which allows them to cling tightly to rocks. The genus Cellana comprises numerous species, with a broad distribution across the Indo-Pacific region and the coastlines of Southern Africa and Australia.
Common Names
Cellana species are commonly known as "blackfoot limpets", "black-footed limpets", or simply "limpets". These names are often used in reference to their distinctive black or dark-colored foot.
Characteristics
Cellana limpets exhibit several notable features:
- Conical Shell: They possess a strong, conical shell that is typically smooth and varies in color depending on the species and habitat. Some species exhibit distinct patterns or markings.
- Muscular Foot: Their large, muscular foot allows them to firmly attach themselves to rocks in the intertidal zone, resisting strong waves and currents.
- Feeding: Cellana limpets are herbivores, feeding mainly on algae that they scrape off the rock surfaces using their radula, a rasping tongue-like structure.
- Size: The size of Cellana limpets can vary significantly among species, with some reaching up to 5 cm in length.
Environments
Cellana limpets are primarily found in the intertidal zone, an area of the coastline that is regularly exposed and submerged by the tides. They prefer rocky shores, where they can attach themselves to stable substrates. Different species of Cellana exhibit variations in their preferred habitats, with some inhabiting the upper intertidal zone and others thriving in the lower regions.
References
For further information on Cellana, consult the following reliable sources: