Callochiton dentatus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Polyplacophora
Order: Chitonida
Family: Ischnochitonidae
Genus: Callochiton
Species:
C. dentatus
Binomial name
Callochiton dentatus
Spengler, 1797
Synonyms
  • Chiton dentatus Spengler, 1797
  • Callochiton castaneus (Wood, 1815)
  • Chiton fulgetrum Reeve, 1847

Callochiton dentatus, the broad chiton, is a medium to large-sized polyplacophoran mollusc in the family Callochitonidae,[1] found on the coast of southern Africa.

Description

This is a very flat and broad chiton with valves that are dark brown to orange, shiny and finely granulated. The wide girdle is densely covered with very small, elongate scales that produce a velvet-like texture. The margin of each valve contains a diagnostic slit that is visible if the girdle is pulled away. The species reaches a size of 20–50 mm.[2]

Distribution and habitat

Callochiton dentatus occurs along the south coast of Africa, from Namibia to the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. It is uncommon and can usually be found as solitary individuals under rocks near the low tide mark.[2] The original description by Lorenz Spengler recorded it at the Cape of Good Hope.[3]

References

  1. ↑ E. Schwabe (2015). "Callochiton dentatus (Spengler, 1797)". WoRMS. World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved 28 December 2016.
  2. 1 2 Branch, G. M.; Griffiths, C. L.; Branch, M. L.; Beckley, L. E. (2010). Two Oceans: a Guide to the Marine Life of Southern Africa. Cape Town: Struik Nature.
  3. ↑ Spengler, L. (1790). "Beskrivelse og Oplysning over den hindindtil lidet udarbeidede Sloegt af mangeskallede Konchylier som Linnaeus har kaldet Lepas med tilfoiede nye og ubeskrevne Arter". Skrivter Af Naturhistorie-Selskabet. 1 (1): 158–212.


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