Patella ferruginea
NamePatella ferruginea
Scientific NamePatella ferruginea
Common NameRusty limpet, Giant limpet
FamilyPatellidae
GenusPatella
Speciesferruginea
Geographic DistributionWestern Mediterranean Sea, Strait of Gibraltar, and adjacent Atlantic coasts, including the southern Iberian Peninsula and the Canary Islands.
Habitatintertidal
Shell Shapeconical
Average Size (mm)Up to 100 mm in length, making it one of the largest limpets in its geographical range.
Identifying FeaturesDistinguished by its large size, very strong and irregular radial ribs that create a crenulated shell margin, and its conical shape. It is frequently heavily encrusted with epibionts like barnacles and algae. Its presence on exposed rocky intertidal shores is also a key indicator.
Author CitationGmelin, 1791
Description
A large, conical limpet shell characterized by prominent, irregular radial ribs that extend to the shell margin. The shell surface appears rough and is often encrusted with other marine organisms, such as barnacles, as clearly visible in the image. Its color is generally brownish-grey to reddish-brown, with hints of rust, and a lighter apex. This species is known for its substantial size and robust shell structure.
