General Description
Flattened oval shaped body with 8 shell sections (valves) surrounded by a fleshy girdle. Body pattern varies, usually black with a white stripe along the middle. Other patterns include dark green, red, blue, brown to cream and with dots or V-shaped markings. Up to 4 cm long.
Biology
This species grazes on algae and animals that encrust rocks. There are a number of related species in Victorian waters.
Habitat
Under rocks in tidal pools and shallow subtidal rocky reefs, to depth of 16 m.
Reefs
Coastal shores
Distribution guide
South-eastern Australia.
Species Group
Sea snails and shells › Chitons
Depth
Shore (0-1 m)
Shallow (1-30 m)
Water Column
Max Size
4 cm
Diet
Omnivore
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
Blair Patullo is Online Producer for marine projects at Museum Victoria.
Cite this page as:
Patullo, B., 2011, Chiton, Ischnochiton elongatus, in Taxonomic Toolkit for marine life of Port Phillip Bay, Museum Victoria, accessed 23 Sep 2018, http://portphillipmarinelife.net.au:8098/species/7838
