Home > Invertebrates > Shells > Limpets > Sabia australis

Updated 1/23/20265

Family Hipponicidae

INDO-WEST PACIFIC / HAWAII

Sabia australis



Ewa, Oahu, 50 feet, 11mm
 

Kapoho tidepool, Hawaii

 

Haleiwa Trench, Oahu, 20 feet

 

SOUTHERN HOOF SHELL

Found attached to snails and sea urchin spines, usually several on one host.  Spire curves backward, overhanging the posterior margin in adults, weak radiating ribs with concentric growth rings, interior brown.  Attains 1/2 inch.  May feed upon feces of host snail or hermit crab.  Acid burns a deep scar into the host shell then a basal plate is deposited.  Sabia conica has strong ribs and the spire never extends beyond the shell margin.  Seychelles to Japan, Tuvalu, and Hawaii.