THE KEYHOLE LIMPET

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KEYHOLE LIMPETS  somewhat resemble true limpets because of the simple conical shape of their shells, but in reality they are not closely related to true limpets, which are in the clade Patellogastropoda. This conical shape of the shell allows keyhole limpets to withstand wave attack on exposed rocks. The shell has a reticulate (= net-like) sculpture with strong radial ribs and lacks an operculum. The shell ranges from 3 mm to 13.2 cm. The great keyhole limpet (Megathura crenulata) measures up to 13.2 cm.  They live in habitats on and under rocks in the lower intertidal zones to deeper waters.

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Although the original shell was found on Llandanwg Beach it is not thought to be native.  It's travels which brought it to our shore will remain a mystery.