Fissurella nigrocincta
NameFissurella nigrocincta
Scientific NameFissurella nigrocincta
Common NameKeyhole limpet
FamilyFissurellidae
GenusFissurella
Speciesnigrocincta
Geographic DistributionWestern Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Florida, Cuba, and the Lesser Antilles.
Habitatintertidal
Shell Shapeconical
Average Size (mm)20
Identifying FeaturesKey identifying features include its keyhole-shaped apical foramen, strong and numerous radial ribs (often alternating in size), concentric growth lines, and the characteristic grayish-white background with purplish-brown radial banding. Its relatively low conical profile is also distinctive.
Raritycommon
Author CitationReeve, 1849
Description
A small, oval, limpet-like shell characterized by a distinct keyhole-shaped apical opening. The exterior surface displays prominent radial ribs and concentric growth lines. Its coloration is predominantly grayish-white, adorned with darker, often purplish-brown, radial banding and irregular white patches, particularly towards the shell's margin. The specimen is shown resting on coarse sand.
