West Indian Keyhole Limpet or similar Keyhole Limpet
Phylum: Mollusca, Class: Gastropoda, Order: Vetigastropoda, Family: Fissurellidae, Genus: Fissurella, Species: Fissurella barbadensis · Fissurellidae (Keyhole Limpet family) · Gastropod (univalve), whole shell, cap-shaped or conical shape
Species
Fissurella barbadensis
Shell Type
Gastropod (univalve), whole shell, cap-shaped or conical shape
Family
Fissurellidae (Keyhole Limpet family)
Size
Approximately 1 inch in length, which is average for this species. Adults typically range from 0.75 to 1.5 inches.
Color & Pattern
Mottled brownish-cream base with subtle radial striping and characteristic darker brown accents around the apical perforation. The interior shows a smooth, porcelain-like white or greenish glaze.
Rarity
Common
Habitat
Found primarily in the intertidal and shallow subtidal zones on rocky shores, adhering tightly to rocks exposed to wave action.
Geographic Range
Widespread throughout the tropical Western Atlantic, including the Caribbean Sea, Florida Keys, and northern South America.
Description
A sturdy, oval, cap-shaped shell characterized by a distinctive opening (the keyhole) near the apex which allows for water expulsion. The exterior features strong radial ribs and concentric growth lines that create a textured, rugged surface.
Key Features
The presence of the apical pore (keyhole), oval cap-shaped morphology, and strong radial ribbing distinguishing it from true limpets which lack the hole.
Collector Value
Low to moderate commercial value, commonly collected by beachcombers in the Caribbean and Florida, typically worth a few dollars or valued as a personal beach find.
Condition Notes
Good condition with a mostly intact margin and clear keyhole aperture. Some natural wear and smoothing due to wave action, grading as a Fine specimen.
Interesting Facts
The keyhole is used as an exit pore for waste elimination and water from the gills. Unlike true limpets (Patellogastropoda), keyhole limpets are more closely related to abalones.
Ecological Role
Acts as an important marine herbivore, grazing on microalgae and film algae from rocky surfaces, thereby helping to maintain the balance of rocky intertidal ecosystems.
Similar Species
Other Fissurella species such as the Lobe Keyhole Limpet (Fissurella angusta), differentiated by the shape and internal margin of the keyhole opening.
Beach Finding Tips
Search rocky intertidal zones at extremely low tide, turning over loose rocks or inspecting rock pools where these limpets cling tightly to the substrate.