Common limpets have small grey cone-shaped shells with prominent radiating ridges that attach firmly to the side of rocks in the intertidal zone. Those higher up on the shore line tend to have a higher shell but a smaller shell length compared to those on the lower shoreline.

Behaviour

When the tide comes in they move around the rocks, scraping up and eating algae with their rough tongue.

Size

Up to 6 cm diameter.

Status

Common.

Distribution

Found around Scotland on Rocky shorelines.

When to see

All year around.

Facts

Adult common limpets generally return after feeding to their ‘home scar’, their own patch of rock where their shell has formed a depression, which gives a better fit to the rock, avoiding desiccation (drying out) when the tide is low.