Diodora
Diodora is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Fissurellidae, the keyhole limpets. There are approximately 70 species in this genus, all of which are found in marine environments. The genus is distributed worldwide, with the majority of species occurring in the Indo-Pacific region.
Common Names
Common names for species in the genus Diodora include "keyhole limpets", "false limpets", "keyhole snails" and "slit limpets".
Characteristics
Diodora species have a distinctive shell morphology that distinguishes them from other limpet species. Their shells are typically conical or dome-shaped and have a characteristic "keyhole" opening at the apex. The keyhole serves as an opening for the animal's mantle cavity and facilitates water flow for respiration.
Like other limpets, Diodora species are herbivores and graze on algae and other organic matter. They typically attach themselves to rocks, coral, and other hard substrates in the intertidal zone and shallow subtidal areas.
Diodora species exhibit sexual reproduction with external fertilization. The animals release their eggs and sperm into the water column, where fertilization occurs. The larvae are planktonic and develop into juveniles before settling on a suitable substrate.
Environments
Species in the genus Diodora are found in a variety of marine environments, including:
- Intertidal zones
- Subtidal areas
- Rocky shores
- Coral reefs
- Seagrass beds