HRAP Online Encyclopedia

Limpets

Limpets are a type of mollusk belonging to the class of gastropods that can be found in the rocky intertidal zone of coastlines. Limpet shells are volcano-shaped cones and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, textures, and colors. Limpets are normally found using their strong foot to cling onto rocks or the shells of other mollusks, like tegulas and mussels. Doing so helps them survive the harsh waves of the intertidal zone, plus it helps prevent desiccation (drying out) while above water. The presence of limpets helps in the monitoring of ecosystem health since they are an important part of the marine food web. When there are healthy limpet populations, then there are healthy populations of limpet prey and predators.