Lottiids

Lottiids are a family of true limpets, marine gastropod mollusks in the order Patellogastropoda. They are characterized by simple, cap-shaped shells and a robust, muscular foot that allows them to cling to hard substrates in energetic coastal waters. The shell is typically low-spired with a blunt apex that may lie near the anterior edge; surface sculpture varies but many species show radial ribs or other ornamentation.

Lottiidae species occupy rocky shores worldwide, especially in temperate and subpolar regions. They are common on exposed or moderately exposed coasts, from the intertidal zone down to shallow subtidal habitats. Their broad foot and streamlined shell enable them to withstand wave action and desiccate partially during low tides.

Ecology and biology: Lottiids are herbivores, feeding mainly on microalgae and biofilm scraped from rock surfaces with their radula. They play a role in controlling algal communities on rocky shores. Reproduction is typically sexual with external fertilization; eggs released into the water develop into free-swimming veliger larvae that later settle as juvenile limpets. Some species may show direct development or brooding, depending on the genus or environment.

Taxonomy: The classification of Lottiidae has undergone revisions as molecular data have clarified relationships within Patellogastropoda. The family includes several genera, with Lottia being a well-known representative group in many regions; exact composition can vary with taxonomic changes.