THE SLIPPER SHELLS - CUP-AND-SAUCER LIMPETS - FAMILY CALYPTRAIDE Shell limpet-shaped with more or less spiral apex, porcel lanous, interior polished, usually with a septum or internal plate of variable shape; operculum wanting; pot flattened; body not twisted; gill deeply and finely feathered; head with long snout; eyes near external bases of tentacles.
The limpet-like mollusks of this family are found adhering to stones and shells. It is likely that most of them stay in one spot all their lives. They adapt the shape of their shell to the irre
gularities of the chosen location, taking on the same sculpture often, and the same colours. They feed on seaweeds and animal culx that come their way, occasionally devouring a fellow mollusk. Some genera lay their eggs under the foot as in a brood pouch. The body is supported by muscles attached to the shelly process inside the shield.