Cellana talcosa, the talc limpet or turtle limpet[1] is a species of true limpet, a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Nacellidae, which is one of the true limpet families.
It is one of the many edible mollusks.
This species is endemic to the Hawaiian islands, where its common name is koele or opihi ko'ele.[2] It is the largest limpet found in the Hawaiian islands and can reach 4 in (100 mm) in diameter.[3]
Habitat
Cellana talcosa can be found in the shallow waters of the lower intertidal zone, where it is submerged.[4]
This species is typically found on rocks that are frequently battered by powerful waves, up to 20 feet deep. Its shell has a rounded, dome-like shape and is adorned with delicate, radiating ribs. The interior is a pristine white, while the animal's foot boasts a vibrant yellow hue. While this creature's muscular foot is known to be quite tough, it can be cooked to a tender consistency. It reaches a size of up to four inches and is not often spotted west of Moloka'i. This fascinating species is unique to the Hawaiian Islands.[5]
Description
It is the largest of its kind, with a shell diameter of up to 4 in (100 mm).[citation needed] The shells of Cellana talcosa are characterized by a low profile, smooth texture, and thick build.[6] It has a dome-shaped shell with a rounded shape that is often covered in CCA (crustose coralline algae).
The foot of a Cellana talcosa usually has a pedal mucous gland that opens either on the dorsal or ventral surface.[7]
Human use
For Hawaiians, the ʻopihi holds significant cultural importance as a favored food source, often consumed raw or boiled.[citation needed] In addition to its culinary uses, the ʻopihi shell was utilized as jewelry, plant fertilizer, and a tool for scraping mi, a type of edible taro root. While men were typically responsible for fishing on coral reefs and offshore waters, women and children collected various molluscs, sea urchins, and seaweeds from intertidal and nearshore areas, including the highly prized ʻopihi.[citation needed] However, gathering wild ʻopihi can be incredibly dangerous, and is primarily done by women.[citation needed] A Hawaiian proverb translates to "the ʻopihi is a fish of death," highlighting the risks involved in collecting this delicacy from its wave-swept rocky habitat.[citation needed]
In the past, Hawaiian ʻopihi collectors adhered to a set of regulations established by community resource managers known as konohiki.[citation needed] These regulations were designed to maintain robust ʻopihi populations by restricting the size, number, species, locations, and times of harvesting.[citation needed] Unfortunately, due to excessive harvesting and habitat degradation, ʻopihi populations have dwindled in modern-day Hawaiʻi.[4]
References
- ^ "Edible Molluscs Page 6".
- ^ "General Info". Archived from the original on 2009-09-28.
- ^ "Cellana talcosa". Gastropods.com. Retrieved 12 January 2019.
- ^ a b Senga, Kento; Ho, Kaci; Bingham, Jon-Paul; Wall, Marisa (2022-09-29). "Nutrient Content and Carotenoid Bioaccessibility of Underutilized Taro Varieties from Hawaii". Proceedings of 2022 AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo. American Oil Chemists' Society (AOCS). doi:10.21748/xxpa8618.
- ^ "Keoki Stender's Flora & Fauna ID Site". www.marinelifephotography.com. Retrieved 2024-04-15.
- ^ Sarhangi, Sheila (2010-12-10). "The Opihi Ohana". Honolulu Magazine. Retrieved 2024-03-11.
- ^ Atonomy of Mollusca. Mittal Publications. ISBN 978-81-8293-028-5.
- Severns, M. (2011). Shells of the Hawaiian Islands - The Sea Shells. Conchbooks, Hackenheim. 564 pp. page(s): 36
External links