General Description
Narrow, flattened oval-shaped body, with 8 shell sections (valves) surrounded by a fleshy girdle. Purple-brown with white patterning. Up to 2 cm long.
Biology
These small chitons use their girdle to grasp and hang on to blades of seagrasses. They can scrape food from the blades of grass.
Distribution
Southern Australia.
Habitat
On seagrass, below low tide level, to depth of 6 m.
More Information
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Animal Type
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Animal SubType
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Brief Id
Narrow body, crossed lines on shell, girdle with small glossy scales.
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Maximum Size
2 cm
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Habitats
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Diet
Herbivore
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Endemicity
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Commercial
No
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Conservation Statuses
DSE Advisory List: Not listed, EPBC Act 1999: Not listed, IUCN Red List: Not listed
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Depths
Shallow (1-30 m)
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Water Column Locations
On or near seafloor
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Taxon Name
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Scientific Author
Ashby, 1918
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Common Name
Chiton
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Phylum
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Class
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Order
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Suborder
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Family
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Subfamily
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Genus
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Species Name
cymodocealis