Siphonaria japonica

Siphonaria japonica, the Japanese false limpet, is a species of air-breathing sea snail or false limpet in the family Siphonariidae.

Description

Siphonaria japonica has a hard, thick shell with a pale yellow or brown color. There are greater than 20 radial ribs that are uniform in thickness. The siphonal ridge is underdeveloped and directly discernible from neither inside nor outside of the shell.

Distribution

Siphonaria japonica is found along the coasts of Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and China.

Habitat

Siphonaria japonica is predominantly found along rocky intertidal shores. The false limpet can also be found on man-made constructions such as bridges and pilings. S. japonica tends to follow tidal movement. Typically, moving with the tide just before or after being exposed to air. Similar to other limpets and false limpets, S. japonica returns to their home site while it is still damp.