Eightrib Limpet
| Name: | Eightrib Limpet |
| Scientific Name: | Hemitoma octoradiata |
| Family: | Keyhole Limpets |
| Taxonomic: | Fissurellidae |
| ID Group: | Snails, Clams & Shells |
| Size: | up to 3 in. |
| Depth Range: | In shallow waters (0 – 15 ft.) |
| Sightings: | Seen sometimes |
The Eightrib Limpet has an oval shell that is grayish, greenish, or pinkish in color, with eight prominent ribs. The top of the shell rises to a central point but lacks a large opening. Beneath the shell, it has a brightly colored body.
This Limpet is often found alone, clinging to rocks in shallow water where waves or tides reach the shore. It stays fixed in place on the rock surface, using its powerful, muscular foot to create a suction grip that helps it withstand the pounding surf. This Limpet is a grazer, using its rough, tongue-like structure (radula) to scrape and consume small plant life or algae from the surface of the rocks.