Common Names
Tegulidae are commonly referred to as tegula snails, top shells, or limpets.
Characteristics
Members of the Tegulidae family share several common characteristics:
- Shell: They have a conical, turban-shaped shell with a low spire and a wide aperture. The shell is typically smooth or with fine spiral cords, and it can be highly variable in color and pattern.
- Operculum: They possess a calcareous operculum (a lid-like structure that covers the aperture when the snail retracts). The operculum is typically multispiral.
- Foot: They have a broad, flat foot which is used for locomotion and clinging to surfaces.
- Radula: Their radula (a toothed structure used for scraping food) has numerous rows of teeth, designed for grazing on algae.
Environment
Tegulidae are predominantly found in the intertidal zone, often clinging to rocks, algae, and seaweeds. Some species may extend into shallow subtidal waters. They are common in temperate and tropical waters around the world, with a significant presence in the Pacific Ocean.
References
For more information on Tegulidae, you can refer to these reliable sources:
