Sowerby's fleshy limpet
NameSowerby's fleshy limpet
Scientific NamePlesiothyreus sowerbyanus
Common NameSowerby's fleshy limpet
FamilyFissurellidae
GenusPlesiothyreus
Speciessowerbyanus
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific, including regions such as Japan and the Philippines.
Habitatsubtidal
Shell Shapeconical
Average Size (mm)Shell length typically ranges from a few millimeters up to about 10-15 mm. The entire animal with its extended mantle can appear larger.
Identifying FeaturesThe most distinctive feature is the large, colorful, and spotted mantle that almost completely covers the small, ribbed, limpet-like shell. The mantle often has a ruffled or undulating edge, giving it a slug-like appearance.
Dietherbivore
Rarityrare
Author Citation(Pilsbry, 1891)
Description
A marine gastropod characterized by a small, limpet-like shell almost entirely enveloped by a large, fleshy, and often brightly colored mantle. The mantle is translucent orange/peach with numerous irregular black spots. The visible portion of the shell is pale with distinct radial ribs. This species is often mistaken for a nudibranch due to its prominent mantle.
