Biology:Ischnochiton bergoti

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Short description: Species of mollusc

Ischnochiton bergoti
Scientific classification edit
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Polyplacophora
Order: Chitonida
Family: Ischnochitonidae
Genus: Ischnochiton
Species:
I. bergoti
Binomial name
Ischnochiton bergoti
(Vélain, 1877)
Synonyms
  • Chiton bergoti Vélain, 1877
  • Ischnochiton hewitti Ashby, 1931

Ischnochiton bergoti, the ribbed-scale chiton, is a small polyplacophoran mollusc in the family Ischnochitonidae,[1] endemic to the west coast of southern Africa.

Description

The species has somewhat drab colouring and is usually off-white to brown. Valves are finely pitted and may bear subtle radiating ridges. The scales of the girdle each bear between 3 and 8 coarse radiating ribs, visible under the microscope. Average body length is 10–20 mm.[2]

Distribution and habitat

Ischnochiton bergoti occurs along the west coast of southern Africa, in cold Atlantic coastal waters from southern Namibia to Cape Point in South Africa , where it can be found under stones below the high tide mark.[2]

Ecology

Like some other species of chiton, I. bergoti is thought to brood its eggs beneath its girdle.[2]

References

  1. B. Marshall (2015). "Ischnochiton bergoti". WoRMS. World Register of Marine Species. http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=848040. 
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 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. 

Wikidata ☰ Q3796313 entry