PORT PHILLIP BAY


Chiton 

Ischnochiton wilsoni Sykes, 1896

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:
Valves glossy and smooth. 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:
wilsoni

General Description

Flattened oval shaped body with 8 shell sections (valves) surrounded by a fleshy girdle. Light coloured with darker longitudinal lines. Up to 2 cm long.

Biology

This small chiton probably grazes on algae and encrusting invertebrates for food.

Habitat

Under rocks, in tidal pools to below low tide level, to depth of 15 m.

Reefs

Coastal shores

Soft substrates

Distribution guide

South-eastern Australia, including western and central Victoria.

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 wilsoni, in Taxonomic Toolkit for marine life of Port Phillip Bay, Museum Victoria, accessed 15 Jan 2025, http://136.154.202.208:8098/species/5704

Text: creative commons cc by licence