Hoof-shield limpet
NameHoof-shield limpet
Scientific NameScutus unguis
Common NameHoof-shield limpet
FamilyFissurellidae
GenusScutus
Speciesunguis
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, including Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Southeast Asia.
Habitatintertidal
Average Size (mm)50-100
Identifying FeaturesLarge, fleshy mantle that almost entirely covers the internal, reduced shell; pale, speckled mantle; flattened, broad, limpet-like form; internal hoof-shaped shell.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Linnaeus, 1758)
Description
A large, flattened gastropod characterized by a broad, fleshy mantle that largely covers its internal, reduced, hoof-shaped shell. The mantle is typically translucent, pale cream to yellowish-white, and often covered with fine dark speckles. The internal shell, when visible, is yellowish-brown with concentric growth lines and sometimes darker radial markings. It is often found in intertidal and shallow subtidal zones.
