General Description

Flattened oval shaped body with 8 shell sections (valves) surrounded by a fleshy girdle. Pink or pale cream, with dark mottled pattern. Up to 1 cm long.

Biology

This tiny species is common in Sydney Harbour, New South Wales, but several samples have also been collected from Western Port and Port Phillip. It grazes on algae for food.

Habitat

Under rocks in shallow water, to depth of 60 m.

Soft substrates

Coastal shores

Distribution guide

South-eastern Australia.

Species Group

Sea snails and shells › Chitons

Depth

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

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

1 cm

Diet

Herbivore

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Native to Australia

Species Code

MoV 783

Identify

• Sea Snails - Chitons

Conservation Status

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