Limpet is a sea animal with a protective shell. It lives along rocky coasts in many parts of the world. Most limpets are less than 3 inches (8 centimeters) long, but a west Mexican limpet grows to 8 inches (20 centimeters) in length. Limpets are easy to find at low tide. Their shells can be seen on exposed rocks, and resemble tiny saucers turned upside down. In most limpets, the shell completely covers the animal and protects it from hungry crabs and sea birds. Beneath the shell, the limpet’s powerful, muscular foot clamps its body firmly to the rock by suction. At high tide, the limpet moves over rocks in search of seaweeds. It gathers food into its mouth with a radula (long ribbonlike tongue), which bears rows of teeth. Before the tide goes out, the limpet returns to its original resting place on the rock.
