Protoleptochiton [Protoleptochiton]

Description

Protoleptochiton belongs to the family Leptochitonidae and comprises a group of chitons that are important for studies on the evolutionary history of polyplacophorans. These chitons retain primitive features that suggest early evolutionary branching within the family. Protoleptochiton species have the characteristic eight-plate arrangement but also exhibit features in their radula and girdle that are of significant phylogenetic interest. They inhabit various marine environments, where they play roles in the benthic community as grazers on biofilms and algae.

Species

Marine chiton [Protoleptochiton rugatus]

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Abyssal chiton [Protoleptochiton principis]