Cloudy Keyhole Limpet

Fissurella nubecula

Cloudy Keyhole Limpet has a shell that varies in size from 10 mm to 25 mm. This marine gastropod is characterized by its distinctive keyhole-shaped opening at the top of its shell, which helps distinguish it from other limpets. The coloration and texture of the shell can provide additional identification cues, but the keyhole feature is the most prominent. This species is found in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, particularly off the Canary Islands, West Africa, and Angola. It typically inhabits rocky substrates within the sublittoral zone, often exposed during low tide, and can be found at depths up to 200 meters. The Cloudy Keyhole Limpet prefers areas where it can cling to rocks, making it a common sight in tide pools and rocky reefs. Feeding primarily on algae, this limpet is sessile and grazes on the surfaces of rocks. It reproduces through a process known as broadcast spawning, where eggs are released into the water column, leading to the development of planktonic larvae. Encounters with this species while diving can be rewarding, as they often cling to rocks and can be observed in their natural habitat, particularly during low tide. The conservation status of Cloudy Keyhole Limpet is not evaluated, indicating a lack of specific data regarding its population trends or threats. However, divers should always be mindful of their interactions with marine life to ensure the preservation of these species.