Air-breathing Limpet

Siphonaria diemenensis

Sea Life Endemic IUCN: Not Evaluated

About

False Limpets belong in the group known as pulmonates, meaning 'lung breathing'. They trap air under their shell when water covers them during high tides so that they can still breathe. They are likely to have had terrestrial ancestors. The shell is conical, wider than high, with straight, white ridges that radiate from the centre to the edge. Inside of shell brownors

Size

Shell up to 3 cm long

Habitat

Exposed rocks at all tide levels

Distribution

Southern Australia

Gallery

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Local Sightings

1 recorded sighting in and around the area.

References & citations (2)

The Atlas of Living Australia (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)
Grove, S.J. (2018). A Guide to the Seashells and other Marine Molluscs of Tasmania web-site (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)

Quick Facts

Common name: Air-breathing Limpet
Scientific name: Siphonaria diemenensis Quoy & Gaimard, 1833
Family: Siphonariidae
Category: Sea Life › Shellfish
Origin: Endemic
Conservation: Not Evaluated

Australian Faunal Directory

Also Known As

common siphon-shell

Information Website

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Disclaimer: A lot of work goes into making sure identifications, descriptions, sizes, habitats and distribution details are as accurate as possible — but this information is ever-changing, so no guarantee is offered that it is correct or currently valid. Treat it as a guide and do a little of your own research for the latest word. Feedback and corrections are always welcome.