Photo by OCNMS

Ribbed limpets are small mollusks that grow to about one inch in length. They are very difficult to distinguish due to their highly variable color patterns, but generally are gray with greenish-brown bands and a wavy margin. During low tide they remain in place and then move around and forage when the water levels again rise. Ribbed limpets are preyed upon by shore birds, crabs and sea stars. They are able to regrow chipped or broken pieces of their shell if needed.

Ribbed Limpet
(Lottia digitalis )

	Aleutian Islands to Baja California
	Rocky wave battered areas of the high intertidal zone
	Graze on microscopic algae
The status of this species is representative of the populations within the waters of this Sanctuary only, not global populations.
	Ribbed limpets breathe by drawing water over their gills from their left side over to their right side.
	- NOAA - Hatfield Marine Science Center - Enchanted Learning