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.
Rosy Keyhole Limpet
(Gmelin, 1791)
Fissurella rosea
Class:
Gastropoda
Order:
Lepetellida
Family:
Fissurellidae
Image Voucher:
ANSP 39317
Shell Information
Length (mm): 24-35
Dextral
Chirality:
This a slightly conical shell that is relatively flat. It has a round opening near the apex of the shell which is centrally located. It has radial ribs, sometimes with noticeable concentric growth lines. The shell can be pinkish to brown to white in color and has a white interior.
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. Fissurella rosea (Gmelin, 1791). Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species at: http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=419358 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.