Gang of dwarf chitons under a boulder. Old Woman's River, Eastern Cape (2021) - iNaturalist Colour often white but can occur in a wide variety of patterns and colours. Valves textured with fine pits, which are often arranged in rows, but lacking radiating ridges. Girdle narrow, covered in tiny scales that appear smooth to the… Continue reading Dwarf chiton (Ischnochiton oniscus)
Category: Chitons
Tulip chiton (Rhyssoplax polita)
Close-up of a tulip chiton on a bed of coralline algae. Port Alfred, Eastern Cape (2023) - iNaturalist Previously Chiton tulipa. An attractive chiton with smooth pink valves streaked and flecked with a wide range of brown patches and zigzags. Girdle striped, covered with large, smooth overlapping scales. Typically 30 - 40 mm. A well-known… Continue reading Tulip chiton (Rhyssoplax polita)
Brooding chiton (Radsia nigrovirescens)
Eroding adult chiton with the scale details on the girdle. Jacobsbaai, Western Cape (2020) - iNaturalist Previously Chiton nigrovirescens. Shell valves brownish-black with vague radiating ridges, girdle dark with large smooth scales, sometimes with a coppery sheen. 10 - 25 mm A small species found in groups under stones from the mid-intertidal downwards. Unusual in… Continue reading Brooding chiton (Radsia nigrovirescens)
Spiny chiton (Acanthochitona garnoti)
Unfouled chiton on a rock, spines out. Fishhoek, Western Cape (2020) - iNaturalist Shell valves dull brown with oblique pale stripes, largely buried by the wide girdle. Girdle dotted with small spicules and with a series of nine pairs of characteristic tufts of long glassy spines. 30 - 45 mm. Unusual in that it is… Continue reading Spiny chiton (Acanthochitona garnoti)
Giant chiton (Dinoplax gigas)
Adult chiton, with badly eroded valves, found in a rock crevice. Port Alfred, Eastern Cape (2021) - iNaturalist Also called 'armadillo'. Shell large with steeply arched grey or brown valves, usually badly eroded. Girdle brown and dotted with distinct tufts of small brown hairs. 70 to 100 mm in length. Usually found partially or totally… Continue reading Giant chiton (Dinoplax gigas)
Black chiton (Onithochiton literatus)
Adult chiton leaving a crevice. Port Edward, Kawzulu-Natal (2021) - iNaturalist Shell valves usually brownish-black, sculptured with wavy radiating lines, often badly eroded in larger specimens. Girdle broad, brown to black, velvety with minute embedded spicules. 25 - 50 mm in length. One of the few common chitons in Natal. Found in the open on… Continue reading Black chiton (Onithochiton literatus)
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