Tegulidae

The Tegulidae are a family of small to medium-sized sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the superfamily Trochoidea. This family is diverse and contains several genera, many of which are quite rare. They are often found in the intertidal zone and shallow waters, clinging to rocks and algae.

Tegula euryomphala

Toothed Top Shell – Tectus dentatus

Fenestrate Top Shell – Tectus fenestratus

Tegula quadricostata

Tegula nigerrima

Tegula gruneri

Tall Top Shell – Tectus triserialis

Tegula picta

Tegula luctuosa

Tegula rustica

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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: