Gulf of California hydrothermal vent limpet [Lepetodrilus gordensis]
Description
This species is found exclusively in the hydrothermal vents in the Gulf of California. It has a small, conical shell, similar to others in its genus. It is notable for its unique radula structure which it uses to graze on bacteria. It is able to withstand high temperatures and high levels of sulfur.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Mollusks
Mollusca
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Gastropods
Gastropoda
|
| Order |
Patellogastropoda
Patellogastropoda
|
| Family |
Giant limpets
Lepetidae
|
| Genus |
Deep-sea Limpets
Pseudococculina
|