PORT PHILLIP BAY


Chiton 

Ischnochiton torri Iredale & May, 1916

View scientific description and taxonomy

Scientific Details

Suborder and Family level characters:
Tegmentum always present.
Anterior valve with 6 or more slits.
Insertion plates not pectinate.
Posterior valve without terminal sinus.

Species level characters:
Anterior valve with about 50 radiating ridges. Middle valves with pattern of fine intersecting lines (decussate) in the central area, and with ridges radiating outward on the edge areas (lateral areas). Girdle covered with small, overlapping (imbricating) scales, each scale with fine lines (striate).

Sources:
Macpherson, J. H. and Gabriel, C. J. (1962) Marine Molluscs of Victoria.
Kass, P., Jones, A. M. and Gowlett-Holmes, K. L. (1998) Polyplacophora, in: Mollusca: the southern synthesis, Australian Biological Resources Study.

Taxonomy

Phylum:
Mollusca
Class:
Polyplacophora
Order:
Neoloricata
Suborder:
Ischnochitonina
Family:
Ischnochitonidae
Subfamily:
Ischnochitoninae
Genus:
Ischnochiton
Subgenus:
Ischnochiton
Species:
torri

General Description

Flattened oval shaped body with 8 shell sections (valves) surrounded by a fleshy girdle. Light brown or cream with darker patterning. Up to 2 cm long.

Biology

This small chiton moves quite quickly for a snail if it is disturbed. They are usually found in areas with seagrass, which they graze on for food.

Habitat

Under rocks, in tidal pools to below low tide level, to depth of 18 m.

Reefs

Coastal shores

Seagrass meadows

Distribution guide

South-eastern Australia.

Species Group

Sea snails and shells › Chitons

Depth

Shore (0-1 m)
Shallow (1-30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

2 cm

Diet

Herbivore

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Native to Australia

Identify

Conservation Status

  • DSE Advisory List : Not listed
  • EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
  • IUCN Red List : Not listed

Author

article author Patullo, B.

Blair Patullo is Online Producer for marine projects at Museum Victoria.

citation

Cite this page as:
Patullo, B., 2011, Chiton, Ischnochiton torri, in Taxonomic Toolkit for marine life of Port Phillip Bay, Museum Victoria, accessed 25 Feb 2025, http://136.154.202.208:8098/species/5703

Text: creative commons cc by licence