You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Lightfoot snail

Lithopoma tectum

Today's Research for Tomorrow's Oceans

Come visit me at Mote!

Support Mote Animals

Fun Facts

When these snails are ready to spawn, they'll settle themselves on high rocks and begin the external fertilization of released eggs.

Species Type:

Invertebrates

Common Name(s):

Lightfoot snail

Size:

These snails can grow up to 2.4 inches (6 centimeters) long.

Diet:

Lightfoot snails feed on algae growing on hard surfaces.

Range & Habitat:

Throughout the western Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, these snails like to inhabit shallow, rocky areas.

Details:

Shaped like a spiral cone, lightfoot snails can range from orange to yellow in color. These snails are often found climbing high on rocks in their environment. They are gentle grazers, feeding on algae and other microorganisms found on rocks and coral.