Rough Keyhole Limpet
ExploreInvertebrate
Rough Keyhole Limpet
diodora aspera
The Rough Keyhole Limpet is a small sea creature with a unique keyhole-shaped shell. It clings tightly to rocks in tidal pools, making it a fun find for little explorers!
Habitat: They live in rocky coastal areas and tidal pools.
Appearance
The Rough Keyhole Limpet has a sturdy, cone-shaped shell, often grey or brownish, with prominent radial ribs. It is distinguished by a noticeable keyhole-shaped opening at its apex, which sets it apart from other limpet species.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumMolluscaClassGastropodaOrderLepetellidaFamilyFissurellidaeGenusDiodora
Category
InvertebrateRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its shell has a unique 'keyhole' opening, like a tiny skylight!
Their tiny teeth are among the strongest natural materials on Earth!
They glide along rocks on a slippery trail of mucus, like a super-slow surfer!
This limpet's foot is so strong it can lift 50 times its own weight!
Special abilities
Ability
Super Suction Foot
Rough Keyhole Limpet has a powerful muscular foot that helps them cling tightly to rocks, even in strong waves, preventing them from being washed away.
Ability
Rock Scraper
Rough Keyhole Limpet can graze algae from rocks using its specialized radula, a ribbon of tiny, super-hard teeth, to get its food.
Ability
Breathing Hole
Rough Keyhole Limpet has a unique keyhole opening at its shell's top that lets out waste water and helps them breathe underwater!
Measurements & details
- Length Cm
- 2-7 cm
- Lifespan Years
- 5-15 years
Diet & Feeding
This limpet is a vegetarian, grazing on tiny plants found on ocean rocks and other hard surfaces.
Primary Foods
- Microalgae
- Diatoms
- Algal films
- Small seaweeds
Foraging Method
- Grazing
Ecological connections
eaten by
Ochre Sea Star
Pisaster ochraceus
A common predator in the intertidal zone.
eaten by
Black Oystercatcher
Haematopus bachmani
Birds pry them off rocks with their strong beaks.
eaten by
Red Rock Crab
Cancer productus
Crabs use their strong claws to crack limpet shells.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Coastal
Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Marine
Marine habitats encompass all saltwater environments of the Earth's oceans, supporting an immense diversity of aquatic life.
Also known as
DiodoraRough Limpet
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Rough Keyhole Limpet?
2-7 cm
How long does Rough Keyhole Limpet live?
5-15 years
What does Rough Keyhole Limpet eat?
This limpet is a vegetarian, grazing on tiny plants found on ocean rocks and other hard surfaces.
Where is Rough Keyhole Limpet usually found?
They live in rocky coastal areas and tidal pools.
How does Rough Keyhole Limpet hunt?
Grazing
Snap Map
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