Common limpet (Patella vulgata)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Patella vulgata
- Common name
- Common limpet
- Category
- Molluscs
- Family
- Patellidae
- Genus
- Patella
- Size
- 3–6 cm
- Depth
- 0–2 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- rocky
- Behaviours
- herbivorous, homing
- Ocean zones
- East Atlantic, Mediterranean
Description
Patella vulgata reaches 6 cm. Dominant limpet of NE Atlantic coasts, from Norway to Portugal, cousin of the Mediterranean P. caerulea (in base). Conical grey-beige shell with subtle radial ribs, white inside. Lives clamped to rocks in the intertidal zone. Nocturnal herbivore: emerges at high tide to graze microalgae, returns to its exact home scar (homing) as the tide falls. Iconic on Brittany and British coasts.
Photo of Common limpet
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Common limpet?
- Common limpet (Patella vulgata) reaches 3–6 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Common limpet?
- Common limpet is found between 0–2 m deep.
- Is the Common limpet dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Common limpet?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Common limpet?
- Found in: East Atlantic, Mediterranean.
Other species in the genus Patella
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 140685)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5190391)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia