Limpet Seashells

Family: Patellidae, Acmaeidae, Fissurellidae. There are around 35 known species worldwide. The limpet is a small, cone-shaped animal that resembles a little hat. This family of mostly shore-rock dwellers is all vegetarian. Limpets are found in great numbers on rocks throughout the world, the shells shape will vary depending on the creatures habitat. The limpet makes its home by rubbing a shallow hole into a rock with its hard shell and acidic secretions. This hole is called a scar which cover some rocks by the thousands. The limpet fits in its scar so well that it is protected from rainfall, the suns radiation and even strong ocean currents. They wander the rocks at night, but return to their original area each dawn. The animal has developed chemoreceptors for following its own distinctive mucous track back to the correct scar. Interesting Facts: Many limpets can be consumed and their shells used for jewelry.

Learn more about Limpets in our seashell article gallery.