Home > Invertebrates > Shells > Limpets > Pilosabia trigona

Updated 2/13/2026

Family Hipponicidae

INDO-PACIFIC / HAWAII / EAST PACIFIC

Pilosabia trigona



Kaupo, Oahu, 3 feet, 5mm


Kapoho Point, Oahu, 18mm

Makai Pier, Oahu

 

Kaupo tidepool, Oahu

 
   

BEARDED HOOF SHELL

Common in groups on encrusting coralline algae in shallow water.  Shell often badly eroded, oval with fine radiating ribs equal to the interspaces, and nodulose spiral threads, hairy periostracum growing from interspaces.  Shell white with dark brown and white interior.  Attains 0.9 inch, 22mm.  South Africa to Polynesia; Mexico to Ecuador.  Formerly known as Hipponix or Pilosabia pilosus.