Description: A small limpet, reaching a maximum size of 2 cm. The main colour of the translucent shell is a brown-yellow and is usually well matched to the colour of the kelp, on which it is found. The shell has 2-8 striking iridescent blue lines, which are usually broken. Often found in groups.

Habitat: Usually found in kelp Laminaria, on which it grazes, both on the blades and in the holdfasts. Occasionally found on Fucus serratus. Most commonly found intertidally or in very shallow sublittoral, but can be found from lower shore to a maximum depth of 27 m.

Distribution: Found all around Britain and Ireland.

Similar Species: Unlikely to be confused with any other species.

Key Identification Features:

• Small limpet (2 cm).
• Normally found on kelp, either on blades or in holdfast.
• Shell is a translucent brown-yellow with 2-8 striking iridescent blue lines.

Distribution Map from NBN: Patella pellucida at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Patella pellucida at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Patella pellucida

WoRMS: Patella pellucida at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Patella pellucida Linnaeus, 1758. AphiaID: 147459.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Mollusca; Gastropoda; Patellogastropoda; Patelloidea; Patellidae; Patella