Notes on the Ecology of Patella Concolor and Cellana Capensis, and the Effects of Human Consumption on Limpet Populations

Abstract

Patella concolor occurs on the east coast of South Africa and predominates in the balanoid zone. It is a generalized browser, feeding on any available material. Cellam capensts has similar distribution, zonation and feeding habits and is a probable competitor with P. concolor. Large specimens of P. concolor occur in the upper regions of the shore and possess home scars, but homing is erratic. Smaller specimens occur in the lower balanoid and lack scars. This pattern suggests an upward migration. Recent excessive human consumption of P. concolor has reduced the maximum size considerably. The implications of this in terms of biomass and gonad output are considerable.