Cellana talcosa

Cellana talcosa is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Nacellidae, the true limpets. This species is endemic to New Zealand, where it is commonly known as the "black-foot paua" or "blackfoot abalone".

Description

The Cellana talcosa is a medium-sized limpet with a shell that can reach up to 60mm in length. The shell is oval in shape and is characterized by its dark color, which ranges from black to dark green. The interior of the shell is typically iridescent blue or green.

Distribution and Habitat

Cellana talcosa is found exclusively in the coastal waters of New Zealand. It prefers rocky substrates and can be found in a variety of habitats, from the intertidal zone to depths of up to 10 meters. The species is particularly common in areas with strong wave action.

Diet

The diet of Cellana talcosa primarily consists of algae, which it scrapes off the rocks with its radula. It has also been known to consume small invertebrates.

Reproduction

Cellana talcosa reproduces through broadcast spawning, where both males and females release their gametes into the water column. The resulting larvae are planktonic and drift in the ocean currents until they are ready to settle and metamorphose into juvenile limpets.

Conservation Status

While Cellana talcosa is not currently listed as threatened or endangered, it is subject to commercial harvesting for its meat and shell, which can put local populations at risk. Conservation efforts are focused on sustainable harvesting practices and habitat protection.

See Also

• List of marine molluscs of New Zealand
• Nacellidae
• Limpet

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