''Acanthopleura gemmata'', the jewelled chiton, is a
species
In biology, a species is the basic unit of classification and a taxonomic rank of an organism, as well as a unit of biodiversity. A species is often defined as the largest group of organisms in which any two individuals of the appropriate s ...
of
chiton
Chitons () are marine molluscs of varying size in the class Polyplacophora (), formerly known as Amphineura. About 940 extant and 430 fossil species are recognized.
They are also sometimes known as gumboots or sea cradles or coat-of-mail s ...
.
Description
This large species of chiton grows to be about 7 cm (3 inches) in length. It has oval shaped body with dimpled plate margins, a brown
girdle
A belt, especially if a cord or rope, is called a girdle if it is worn as part of Christian liturgical vestments, or in certain historical, literary or sports contexts.
Girdles are used to close a cassock in Christian denominations, including th ...
with eight overlapping plates, long calcareous spicules and dark bands.
Distribution
This chiton has an
Indo-Pacific
The Indo-Pacific is a vast biogeographic region of Earth.
In a narrow sense, sometimes known as the Indo-West Pacific or Indo-Pacific Asia, it comprises the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean, the western and central Pacific Ocean, and the ...
distribution.
Habitat
This species lives in the littoral zone of coral reefs on the rocks and cliffs.
References
*Richmond, M. (Ed.) (1997). A guide to the seashores of Eastern Africa and the Western Indian Ocean islands. Department for Research Cooperation, SAREC/Sida: Stockholm
WoRMSEncyclopaedia of LifeGreat Barrier Reef
Chitonidae
Chitons described in 1825
{{Chiton-stub