Notoacmea
Notoacmea is a genus of small, limpet-like sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Lottiidae, the true limpets. These gastropods are commonly known as true limpets or keyhole limpets.
Characteristics
Notoacmea species are characterized by their conical, depressed shell shape and their relatively small size, typically ranging from 5 to 25 millimeters in length. Their shells are usually smooth and may be colored in shades of brown, gray, or green. A defining feature of this genus is the presence of a keyhole-shaped opening at the apex of the shell, which serves as a respiratory pore.
Environments
Notoacmea snails are found in the intertidal zone of rocky shores along the coasts of the Pacific Ocean, primarily in the western Americas. They are often found clinging to rocks, seaweed, or other hard surfaces, where they graze on algae and other organic matter. Notoacmea are well adapted to living in the harsh environment of the intertidal zone, where they experience fluctuations in temperature, salinity, and wave action.
Distribution
The distribution of Notoacmea species is relatively restricted, with most of them found along the coast of California. Some species, such as Notoacmea scutum, have a broader distribution range, extending from Alaska to Baja California.
Notable Species
The genus Notoacmea includes a number of notable species, including:
- Notoacmea scutum (Linnaeus, 1767) – the most widespread and common species in the genus.
- Notoacmea depicta (Carpenter, 1864) – a relatively rare species found along the California coast.
- Notoacmea gabbii (Carpenter, 1864) – a small species with a distinctive, flattened shell.