Summary
Physical Description
Size
Description
Identification resources
Distribution and Ecology
Local distribution and microhabitat
Biogeographical distribution
Life History & Behaviour
Behaviour and locomotion
Reproduction
Feeding
Respiration
Anatomy & Physiology
External Morphology
Internal Anatomy
Evolution & Systematics
Fossil History
Phylogenetics
Conservation & Threats
References & Links
Reference List |
Summary
Acanthochitona sp. is a chiton, from the molluscan class, Polyplacophora. Polyplacophora means "bearer of many plates" and the eight articulated shell plates that occur on the dorsal side, known as valves are the distinct characteristic of chitons. Acanthochitona sp. is small with a dorso-ventrally flattened and elongate body. The visible area of the valves, know as the tegmentum, is reduced due a large fleshy area, known as the girdle that surrounds them. This girdle is covered in many clear spicule tufts. Acanthochitona sp. is cryptic, and are found in holes and crevices on the underside of rocks and coral boulders on reef crests, such as the one on Heron Island, Australia. The genus appears to have a worldwide distribution.
Acanthochitona sp. feed using an apparatus know as a radula, common in molluscs, which scrapes algae and other organisms off rocks. The radula is elaborate for such a tiny animal and was described through the use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The valves of Acanthochitona sp. were also described through the use of SEM and were found to be very morphologically distinct and possess sensory and excretory pores, known as aesthetes. Acanthochitona sp. also has distinct sexes and reproduction involves spawning and a characteristic larval stage. Use the sub-headings on the left to find out more about this interesting chiton!
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