Description: This gastropod has quite a limpet-like appearance, white or yellow in colour on the outer side of the shell with a pearly white interior. The shell is an almost symmetrical cone with a nipple-shaped beak at the apex. The surface of the shell has growth lines and sometimes small tubercles, although these are both usually quite indistinct. The aperture on the underside is almost circular and has a small bevelled edge. The foot of the animal is relatively large, and there is a large propodial flap on either side of the neck, and ciliary feeders may be visible if the animal is submerged. There is no operculum.

Habitat: Under stones and on shells amongst soft substrata and gravel, from low water to around 20 m depth.

Distribution: Scattered records from around Britain and Ireland, seems to be especially rare on east coast of Britain, with few records here.

Similar Species: Superficially resembles a limpet but unlikely to be confused with any other species.

Key Identification Features:

• Almost symmetrical cone with beak at apex.
• White or yellow exterior with pearly interior.
• Almost circular aperture on underside with small, bevelled edge.

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

iNaturalist: Calyptraea chinensis at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Calyptraea chinensis

WoRMS: Calyptraea chinensis at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Calyptraea chinensis (Linnaeus, 1758). AphiaID: 138961.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Mollusca; Gastropoda; Caenogastropoda; Littorinimorpha; Calyptraeoidea; Calyptraeidae; Calyptraea