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Siphanaria compressa (Allanson, 1958) is a marine invertebrate species commonly known as Eelgrass
false-limpet. It is a small air-breathing sea snail that’s native to South Africa (Herbert, 1999). It is
known for being South Africa’s most endangered marine mollusc (Herbert, 1999). It is from Phylum
Mollusca which are known for having soft bodies with a head region and a foot region, most have
shells that are specially adapted to the environment (Snyman, 2022). They are also known for their
relationship with the eelgrass Zostem capensis.

Figure 1: Eelgrass false limpet (Poppe,2015)

Siphanoria compressa are 3-5 mm in length, the smallest in its genus (Herbert, 1999). Relatively
small compared to the community it lives in, it can be said that it has a lot of predators. The Species
has a soft, smooth body covered with a pointy and narrow shell with fine horizontal lines, it is brown
in colour (Branch et al, 2007). The shell sits on top of the species to provide protection against
predators ( Branch & Branch, 2018). Based on the fact that Siphanoria compressa is found on Rocky
shores (intertidal zone) it can be said that the colour helps the species camouflage against the rocks.
. It has two eyes and a mouth that consist of a radula are anterior to the body, a strong foot that
covers most of its ventral side but is smaller compared to other species based on body proportion.

It can only be found on the west and south coast of South Africa in only two locations, Langebaan
Lagoon on the west coast and Knysna Estuary on the south coast. It is specifically found on the
eelgrass Zostern capensis in the mid to upper intertidal zone (Herbert, 1999). This is an ideal place
for their small size because there is less wave reaction during high tide and the fact that they are air
breathing means they can survive longer without water. Mid and upper intertidal zones experience
strong winds, extreme exposure to the sun, thermal stress as the rocks are exposed for longer
periods of time (Bruce et al, 2001).

This means that the Siphanoria compressa must be adapted to these conditions. It has developed
skills and materials for these conditions. Its light brown shell reflects sun light and the fine lines
redirects the heat waves, the space between the foot and the shell is used for evaporative cooling
(Branch & Branch, 2018). This decreases the heat and prevents decification enabling the species to
live longer without water. It can be said that it also uses the eelgrass for shade. Its steep back and
gentle front decreases the drag of the waves (Branch & Branch, 2018). This means that the
Siphanoria compressa can withstand the wave reaction during high tide. All these developments are
meant to ensure the species survival includes eating, this means the species have developed
materiel to help them consume food easily.

Siphanoria compressa are herbivorous and graze on algae (Bruce et al, 2001) This means that they
only eat plants. This is what creates their relationship the eelgrass Zostem capensis, they feed on the
algae that grows on the plant keeping it clean and healthy because algae is parasitic on other plants
Bruce et al, 2001). In return for this the eelgrass provides food and protection to the Siphanoria
compressa.

The radula helps the Sipanoria compressa grind the algae into fine pieces making it easier to
consume, as a grazer this means the species moves slowly on the blades of the eelgrass Zostem
capensis scrapping the algae off the plant (Herbert, 1999). By moving slowly the Siphanoria
compressa gives the algae a chance to re-grow insuring that it never runs out of food.

This relationship with the eelgrass gives the Siphanoria compressa its economical significant, it
keeps the population of the eelgrass high and the population of the algae low. It’s also keep the level
of calcium on the ocean stable, this is based on the fact that It’s shell is made out of culcium (Branch
& Branch, 2018). It also helps with feeding other species, it is pray to bigger intertidal species.

Known for reproducing asexualIy, it reproduce through spawning and would allow females on their
eelgrass only during the mating season (Herbert, 1999). This means there is no sexual interaction
between males and females. Provided the limitation of food it is only understandable that they are
territorial and solo. They use the von Bertalanffy growth function (Herbert, 1999). The function
promotes fast growth and maturity and that speeds up their life cycles.

The Siphanoria compressa is a intertidal species known for its relationship with Eelgrass .First
identified 1958 by Allonson. It plays an important role in marine ecosystem and its extinction would
leave the ecosystem unstable. It is also known for being South Africa’s most endangered marine
mollusc found only in two regions. There is still a lot to discover on this species hance there is not
much information known about them
References:
Branch, G. & Branch, M. 2018. Living shores: Interacting with southern Africa’s marin ecosystem.
Cape Town: Struik Nature.

Branch, G.M., Griffiths, C.L., Branch, M.L., Beckley, L.E. 2007. Two Oceans: A guide to the marine life
of southern Africa. Cape Town: Struik Nature.

Bruce, A.M. & Branch, G.M. 2001. Marine Community Ecology. Rocky Intertidal Communities, 365:
130- 137.

Herbert, D.G. 1999. Siphanoria compressa, South Africa’s most endangered marine mollusc.
Pietermaritzburg: Natal Museum.