Lucapinella limatula
NameLucapinella limatula
Scientific NameLucapinella limatula
Common NameKeyhole limpet
FamilyFissurellidae
GenusLucapinella
Specieslimatula
Geographic DistributionWestern Atlantic Ocean, including the southeastern United States (from North Carolina to Florida), the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea.
Habitatsubtidal
Average Size (mm)Typically ranges from 10 to 25 mm in length.
Identifying FeaturesDistinctive keyhole-shaped apical foramen; strong cancellate sculpture on the exterior with both concentric and radial elements; flattened, oval profile; interior is smooth and white.
Raritycommon
Author CitationReeve, 1850
Description
A small, flattened, oval-shaped keyhole limpet shell. The exterior surface is sculptured with prominent concentric growth lines and radial ribs, creating a cancellate or reticulate pattern, which can appear somewhat beaded or nodulose. The shell features a distinctive, elongated, keyhole-shaped apical foramen (opening). The interior surface is smooth and porcellanous, reflecting the external shape and the central opening. The margin is slightly crenulated.
