Sometimes the difficulty is caused by a lack of information concerning the degree of variability of the species with which he is dealing . The order Patellogastropoda is distinguished from other prosobranch molluscs on characters found in the shell microstructure, radula, gill and pericardial structures, digestive system, and excretory system. Habitat Rocks and larger stones are suitable habitats for these grazers, which live on algae. In the Netherlands I observed Patella vulgata on wooden piles, belonging to the sea wall. Patellids live in the littoral and infralittoral zone and prefer shallow water.
Some species have a strong preference for tidal pools.
The Patellidae feed on algae, where they work there way through the algae layer rasping with their radula in a zig-zag like way. The animals cover distances to about one and a half meters. Often the animals return to their original resting place. The mechanism by which a limpet returns to its home commonly involves the chemoreceptive retracing of a mucous trail laid by the animal on its outward journey. To prevent dehydration the animal depends on its powerful foot, with which it sucks itself to the rocky surface during low tide.