Chaetopleura pertusa explained

Chaetopleura pertusa, the orange hairy chiton, is a species of chitons in the family Chaetopleuridae. It is a marine mollusc. It is endemic to South Africa.

Distribution

This species is found around the South African coast from Saldanha Bay to Kosi Bay, subtidally to at least 20 m.[1]

Description

The orange hairy chiton is a distinctive chiton with pink or orange mottled valves. The valves have a granular texture and are surrounded by a wide girdle of pink or orange. The girdle has branched bristles and short hairs. The animal may grow up to 50 mm in total length.[2]

Ecology

The orange hairy chiton lives under rocks during the day but emerges at night.

Notes and References

  1. Branch, G.M., Branch, M.L, Griffiths, C.L. and Beckley, L.E (2005): Two Oceans: a guide to the marine life of southern Africa
  2. Kilburn, R. and Rippey, E. Sea Shells of Southern Africa MacMillan South Africa 1982