Montfortula facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Montfortula |
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Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Gastropoda |
| Subclass: | Vetigastropoda |
| Family: | Fissurellidae |
| Subfamily: | Hemitominae |
| Genus: | Montfortula Iredale, 1915 |
| Type species | |
| Emarginula rugosa Quoy & Gaimard, 1834
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| Synonyms | |
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Plagiorhytis Fischer, 1885 non Chaudoir, 1848 |
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Montfortula is a group of small sea creatures called limpets. They are a type of mollusc that lives in the ocean. These special limpets are known as "keyhole limpets" because they often have a small hole at the top of their shell. They belong to a family of sea snails called Fissurellidae.
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About Montfortula Limpets
Montfortula is a scientific name for a genus of sea snails. A genus is like a small group of very similar animals. These particular snails are called keyhole limpets. They are found in the marine environment, meaning they live in the sea.
What are Keyhole Limpets?
Keyhole limpets are a type of gastropod. This means they are part of the same group as snails and slugs. Unlike regular snails, limpets have a simple, cone-shaped shell. The "keyhole" part comes from a small opening at the top of their shell. This hole helps them breathe and get rid of waste.
Where Do Montfortula Limpets Live?
These marine molluscs live in the ocean. They are often found clinging to rocks in coastal areas. They use a strong muscular foot to hold onto surfaces, even in strong waves. Montfortula species are known to live in places like Australia and New Zealand.
Types of Montfortula Limpets
Scientists group different kinds of Montfortula limpets into species. As of 2018, these are some of the known species:
- Montfortula brevirimata (Deshayes, 1862)
- Montfortula chathamensis Finlay, 1928
- †Montfortula kaawaensis (Bartrum, 1919) - This species is no longer alive today.
- Montfortula picta (Dunker, 1860)
- Montfortula pulchra (Adams, 1852)
- Montfortula rugosa (Quoy & Gaimard, 1834)
Each of these names helps scientists identify and study the different kinds of Montfortula limpets found around the world.
