Malacology
Malacology is the study of mollusks. This includes animals like octopus, snails, slugs, and clams. It is the second largest phylum of animals, making them one of the most successful groups on the planet. There are over 80,000 described species of mollusks with many more left to be discovered. Mullusca is composed of 8 recognized classes including Cephalopoda, Gastropoda, Polyplacophora, Scaphapoda, Monoplacophorans, the Aplacophorans, Caudofoveata and Solenogastres, and Bivalvia.
Cayenne Keyhole Limpet
(Lamarck, 1822)
Diodora cayenensis
Class:
Gastropoda
Order:
Lepetellida
Family:
Fissurellidae
Image Voucher:
ANSP 423767
Shell Information
Length (mm): 25-51
Dextral
Chirality:
This is a highly elevated oval shaped shell. The slit-like opening is located near the shell apex which is slightly forward and central. It has distinct radial ribs that form bead like structures when crossed by smaller concentric ridges. This shell is white to gray and sometimes pinkish with a white interior.
Description:
Ecological Information
Distribution:
Depth (m):
New Jersey to Brazil
0 to 100 meters
Diet:
Herbivore; They graze on algae.
Habitat:
Marine; Coral reefs and intertidal areas among other hard substrates
Misc. Facts
This animal will move about freely but seems to return to the same "home base" spot everytime after grazing.
Citations
MolluscaBase eds. (2021). MolluscaBase. Diodora cayenensis (Lamarck, 1822). Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species at: http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=160265 on 2021-06-23
Rosenberg, G., F. Moretzsohn, and E. F. Garc�a. 29. Gastropoda (Mollusca) of the Gulf of Mexico, Pp. 579�699 in Felder, D.L. and D.K. Camp (eds.), Gulf of Mexico�Origins, Waters, and Biota. Biodiversity. Texas A&M University Press, College Station, Texas.
Andrews, J. (1971). Seashells of the Texas Coast. University of Texas Press.