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Diodora Cayenensis

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Diodora cayenensis

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The species Diodora cayenensis got its common name “Cayenne Keyhole Limpet”, from the ovately-shaped hole in between the center and anterior part of the shell that resembles a “keyhole”. The keyhole plays an important role in the respiration of this organism by bringing in and expelling water from this shell. This species also possesses an effectively elevated, cone-shaped shell.[1] Diodora cayenensis is considered to be a small to medium species, as the largest one that has been reported is 51 mm in size.[2] The shell of these organisms have dentate margins due to “erosion” from nearby shells and rocks.[2] They are usually found on the underside of rocks but can very rarely be found on sponges as well.[2]

Geographic range

Diodora cayenensis can be found in marine habitats located in or near the Atlantic Ocean. Some areas include North and South Carolina, East and West Florida, Costa Rica and as far North as New Jersey and Maryland.[4]

Habitat preferences

Diodora cayenensis can be found in seagrass beds, hard bottoms, and intertidal waters in marine habitats.[6] They can also be found under rocks in shallow areas and on sponges in depts from 0 to 46m.[7] These species are usually found attached to rocks in intertidal and shallow subtidal areas

Ecology

Predators

Certain crab species, such as stone crabs (Menippe spp.) and spider crabs (Libinia spp.), are opportunistic feeders that may target D. cayenensis. Crabs use their powerful claws to crush the limpet's shell and access its flesh.

Prey

Diodora cayenensis primarily feeds on algae, using its radula to scrape these organisms off surfaces such as rocks and coral. It consumes a variety of algal species, contributing to the regulation of algal populations within its habitat.

Interactions

Diodora cayenensis competes with other herbivorous organisms, such as other limpet species, sea urchins, and herbivorous fish, for access to algae. Competition for food resources may influence the distribution and abundance of D. cayenensis within its habitat.

Reproduction

Diodora cayenesis reproduce sexually via broadcast spawning.  Since it lives in the intertidal zone, which is a constantly changing environment, they lay a large number of eggs at once. They lay a vast number of eggs at one time to increase the chance of their eggs being fertilized, and in turn their number of offspring increase.  

Broadcast spawning is a reproductive strategy that relies heavily on turbulent stirring processes in the flow to bring gametes together that have been released by males and females.  Broadcast spawning is a form of external sexual reproduction done by sessile organisms typically.  To do this, adult male and females have to release sperm and ova into the flow.  Turbulent has to bring them together for fertilization.  

Economic importance

Diodora cayenensis not only supports our ecosystem, but also people.  They act as economic engineers in the ocean.  They provide shelter in their ridges for other marine organisms.  They also provide food for their predators.  They also can provide protection to small marine organisms from their predators.  They are able to help filter the ocean water and free it from some suspended sediment, nutrients, and other pollutants via filtration. They can provide food to people as well.  

References

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