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

These are found attached to snails and sea urchin spines, often several per host.  The spire curves backward, overhanging the posterior margin in adults.  It has weak radiating ribs with concentric growth rings and the interior is brown.  Attains 0.5 inch, 12 mm.  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.