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Facts

Limpet


Common limpet

Distribution
Distribution in scandinavian waters

Maximum length: 7 cm.
Appearance:
Depth: 0-1 m.
Environment: Commonly found on cliffs, rocks and large boulders within the surf zone in the outer archipelagoes of Bohuslän on the Swedish west coast. The limpet shell is usually postioned with a few millimetres gap from the substrate and thus enabling water to flush through its gills. If disturbed, the limpet will adhere itself firmly against the substrate and became very difficult to remove. During daylight hours the limpet remains stationary, but during the night can wander several metres looking for food and there after return to its original position. In reality, a tidal creature, it will creep around and scrape microscopic algae off the rocks with its tongue and after every excursion return to its favourite haunt where its shell fits so snugly onto the substrate that removal is almost impossible without breaking its shell.
Classification:


Limpet     Other names


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Bo Johannesson | Martin Larsvik | Lars-Ove Loo | Helena Samuelsson