Kaikoura Chiton [Lepidochitona kaikourae]
Description
The Kaikoura Chiton is a marine mollusk native to New Zealand. It has an elongate body with a shell divided into eight plates. It is typically found in intertidal zones, attached to rocky substrates. Its diet primarily consists of algae, which it scrapes off rocks with its radula. Its distinguishing features include a girdle covered with small spicules and a shell with a sculpture of fine, radial riblets.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Mollusks
Mollusca
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Chitons
Polyplacophora
|
| Order |
Lepidopleurida
Lepidopleurida
|
| Family |
Callochitonidae
Callochitonidae
|
| Genus |
Lepidochitona
Lepidochitona
|