Broad chiton

broad chiton
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Subkingdom: Metazoa
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Polyplacophora
Subclass: Neoloricata
Order: Chitonida
Suborder: Chitonina
Superfamily: Chitonoidea
Family: Callochitonidae
Genus: Callochiton
Species: C. castaneus
Binomial name
Callochiton castaneus[1]
(Woods, 1815)

The broad chiton, Callochiton castaneus, is a species of chitons in the family Callochitonidae. It is a marine mollusc. It is endemic to South Africa.

Distribution

This species is found from Port Nolloth to Kosi Bay, subtidally to around 5 m.[2]

Description

The broad chiton is a flattened chiton with granular dark-brown to orange-red valves. It can grow up to 60 mm in total length. The girdle is velvety.[3]

Ecology

This is a solitary animal. It is more frequently seen during night dives.

References

  1. http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php search term Callochiton accessed 7 April 2010
  2. Branch, G.M., Branch, M.L, Griffiths, C.L. and Beckley, L.E (2005): Two Oceans: a guide to the marine life of southern Africa ISBN 0-86486-672-0
  3. Kilburn, R. and Rippey, E. Sea Shells of Southern Africa MacMillan South Africa 1982 ISBN 0-86954-094-7
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