Prickly Limpet
NamePrickly Limpet
Scientific NameLottia scabra
Common NamePrickly Limpet
FamilyLottiidae
GenusLottia
Speciesscabra
Geographic DistributionEastern Pacific Ocean, along the coast of North America from Washington state to Baja California, Mexico.
Habitatintertidal
Shell Shapeconical
Average Size (mm)20-50 mm in length, with some individuals reaching up to 60 mm.
Identifying FeaturesDistinguished by its strong, prominent, and often rough or 'prickly' radial ribs that extend from the apex to the margin. Its relatively flattened profile and preference for the high intertidal zone, where it often creates a 'home scar' on the rock, are also key identifying characteristics.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Gould, 1846)
Description
A marine gastropod mollusc, commonly known as the Prickly Limpet, characterized by its low conical shell and distinctive rough, prickly radial ribs. The shell is typically dark in color and found adhering to rocks in the high intertidal zone, often creating a 'home scar' where it rests.
