Tugalina gigas
NameTugalina gigas
Scientific NameTugalina gigas
Common NameGiant Keyhole Limpet (informal)
FamilyFissurellidae
GenusTugalina
Speciesgigas
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific, including regions such as Japan and Korea.
Habitatintertidal
Shell Shapeconical
Average Size (mm)35-60
Identifying FeaturesCharacterized by its large, oval, depressed shell with a prominent, fleshy, orange-brown mantle that largely covers the shell's periphery. It possesses distinct orange cephalic tentacles and a large, irregular apical opening in the shell (though not perfectly clear in this specific image, it's a key feature of the species).
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Martens, 1881)
Description
A dorsal view of the marine mollusk Tugalina gigas, commonly known as a keyhole limpet. The image displays its oval, depressed shell, which is mottled with shades of greenish-brown, reddish-purple, and off-white. A prominent, fleshy, orange-brown mantle extends significantly beyond the shell's irregular margin, and two distinct orange cephalic tentacles are visible at the anterior end. The shell surface shows concentric growth lines and some erosion or encrustation.
