Chaetopleura pertusa
Chaetopleura pertusa, the orange hairy chiton, is a species of chitons in the family Chaetopleuridae. It is a marine mollusc. It is endemic to South Africa.
| Chaetopleura pertusa | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Polyplacophora |
| Order: | Chitonida |
| Family: | Chaetopleuridae |
| Genus: | Chaetopleura |
| Subgenus: | Chaetopleura |
| Species: | C. pertusa |
| Binomial name | |
| Chaetopleura pertusa (Reeve, 1847) | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
|
Chiton pertusus Reeve, 1847 (basionym) | |
Distribution
This species is found around the South African coast from Saldanha Bay to Kosi Bay, subtidally to at least 20 m.[2]
Description
The orange hairy chiton is a distinctive chiton with pink or orange mottled valves. The valves have a granular texture and are surrounded by a wide girdle of pink or orange. The girdle has branched bristles and short hairs. The animal may grow up to 50 mm in total length.[3]
Ecology
The orange hairy chiton lives under rocks during the day but emerges at night.
References
- Schwabe, E. (2009). Chaetopleura (Chaetopleura) pertusa (Reeve, 1847). In: Bouchet, P.; Gofas, S.; Rosenberg, G. World Marine Mollusca database. Accessed through the World Register of Marine Species at http://marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=224920 on 2010-04-07
- Branch, G.M., Branch, M.L, Griffiths, C.L. and Beckley, L.E (2005): Two Oceans: a guide to the marine life of southern Africa ISBN 0-86486-672-0
- Kilburn, R. and Rippey, E. Sea Shells of Southern Africa MacMillan South Africa 1982 ISBN 0-86954-094-7
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