Patellidae

Common Names

Members of the Patellidae family are commonly known as limpets. However, some species have specific common names, such as:

• True limpets: This name is often used for all members of the Patellidae family.
• Keyhole limpets: This name refers to species in the genus Diodora, which have a small hole in their shells.
• Slipper limpets: This name is used for species in the genus Crepidula, which have a shelf-like structure inside their shells.

Characteristics

Patellidae members possess the following characteristics:

• Conical shells: Limpet shells are typically conical in shape, with a pointed apex and a broad base. The shell is usually smooth and often has a slightly curved profile.
• Strong foot: Limpets have a large, muscular foot that they use for locomotion and for clinging to rocks. They are known for their ability to adhere very strongly to surfaces.
• Herbivorous diet: Limpets are herbivores, feeding primarily on algae. They use a radula, a ribbon-like structure with teeth, to scrape algae off rocks.
• Home scar: Most limpet species exhibit a distinctive "home scar" on the rock surface, where they repeatedly return after foraging. This scar is caused by the limpet's foot constantly scraping the same area.

Environments

Patellidae are found in a variety of marine environments, including:

• Intertidal zones: Limpets are particularly common in intertidal zones, where they are exposed to the air and waves during low tide. They are well-adapted to these harsh conditions.
• Subtidal zones: Some limpet species live in subtidal zones, below the low tide mark. These species are often found on rocky reefs and other hard substrates.
• Coastal waters: Limpets are generally found in coastal waters, where they can access the algae they feed on.

References

For more information on Patellidae, please refer to the following sources:

• Wikipedia - Patellidae
• WoRMS - Patellidae
• NCBI Taxonomy Browser - Patellidae