Patellidae
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Through Taxonomy (biology), Ocean and Algae
The largest known limpet in the world is Scutellastra mexicana that can reach 35.5 cm (14.0 in) in length.
Taxonomy
A cladogram showing phylogenic relations of Patellogastropoda based on molecular phylogeny research by Nakano & Ozawa (2007):
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Genera
There are four extant genera in the family Patellidae:
- Cymbula H. & A. Adams, 1854
- Helcion Montfort, 1810
- Patella Linnaeus, 1758
- Scutellastra H. Adams & A. Adams, 1854
There are two exclusively fossil genera:
- † Berlieria de Loriol, 1903
- † Proscutum P. Fischer, 1885
Synonyms
Synonyms include the following:
- Ansates G.B. Sowerby II [ex Klein], 1839: synonym of Patella Linnaeus, 1758
- Laevipatella Pallary, 1920: synonym of Cymbula H. Adams & A. Adams, 1854
- Patellanax Iredale, 1924: synonym of Scutellastra H. Adams & A. Adams, 1854 (junior synonym)
- Patellidea Thiele, 1891: synonym of Scutellastra H. Adams & A. Adams, 1854
- Patellona Thiele, 1891: synonym of Cymbula H. Adams & A. Adams, 1854
- Patina Gray, 1847: synonym of Patella Linnaeus, 1758
- Patinastra Thiele, 1891: synonym of Helcion Montfort, 1810
- Penepatella Iredale, 1929: synonym of Scutellastra H. Adams & A. Adams, 1854 (junior synonym)
Human uses
Some limpet species in this family are used as a food source in various countries.
A study of Patella caerulea found that this limpet reduced the cover of algae and barnacles on steel panels suspended in sea water in a commercial port, suggesting that the limpet could be used to inhibit fouling of ship hulls.