Heath's chiton [Callistochiton heathi]
Description
Heath's chiton is a small mollusc that can grow up to 7.5 cm long. It has a smooth, shiny surface with dark brown or black color. This species is found in the northeastern Pacific Ocean, from British Columbia, Canada to Baja California, Mexico. It lives in rocky intertidal zones and subtidal areas up to 100 meters deep. Heath's chiton has eight overlying, articulated shell plates that protect its soft body from predators.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Mollusks
Mollusca
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Chitons
Polyplacophora
|
| Order |
Lepidopleurida
Lepidopleurida
|
| Family |
Callochitonidae
Callochitonidae
|
| Genus |
Callistochiton
Callistochiton
|