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.
Dyson's Keyhole Limpet
(Reeve, 1850)
Diodora dysoni
Class:
Gastropoda
Order:
Lepetellida
Family:
Fissurellidae
Image Voucher:
ANSP 351408
Shell Information
Length (mm): 12-22
Dextral
Chirality:
This is a moderately elevated oval shaped shell. The slit-like opening located just behind the apex of the shell which is relatively central on the shell. The shell has alternating large and small radial beaded ribs. It is white with radial black lines.
Description:
Ecological Information
Distribution:
Depth (m):
East Florida to Brazil
0 to 40 meters
Diet:
Herbivore; They graze on algae.
Habitat:
Marine; Hard substrate
Misc. Facts
Citations
MolluscaBase eds. (2021). MolluscaBase. Diodora dysoni (Reeve, 1850). Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species at: http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=419339 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.