''Dinoplax gigas'', the giant 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 ...
in the
family
Family (from la, familia) is a Social group, group of people related either by consanguinity (by recognized birth) or Affinity (law), affinity (by marriage or other relationship). The purpose of the family is to maintain the well-being of its ...
Chaetopleuridae
Chaetopleuridae is a family of chitons. They are marine molluscs.
Genera
Two genera are known in this family:
* '' Chaetopleura'' Shuttleworth, 1853
* ''Dinoplax
''Dinoplax'' is a genus of chitons in the family Chaetopleuridae. They are ...
. It is a
marine
Marine is an adjective meaning of or pertaining to the sea or ocean.
Marine or marines may refer to:
Ocean
* Maritime (disambiguation)
* Marine art
* Marine biology
* Marine debris
* Marine habitats
* Marine life
* Marine pollution
Military
* ...
mollusc
Mollusca is the second-largest phylum of invertebrate animals after the Arthropoda, the members of which are known as molluscs or mollusks (). Around 85,000 extant species of molluscs are recognized. The number of fossil species is esti ...
.
Description
''Dinoplax gigas'' normally reach a length of about , but exceptionally may grow up to . These large chitons are elongate, oval, carinate and moderately elevated. They have strongly arched grey or brown
valves
A valve is a device or natural object that regulates, directs or controls the flow of a fluid (gases, liquids, fluidized solids, or slurries) by opening, closing, or partially obstructing various passageways. Valves are technically fittings ...
. The leathery girdle is greyish or brown, spotted with black and has tufts of short hairs.
Ecology
This species hides under rocks during the day but emerges at night.
Distribution
This species is found around the South African coast from the Cape Peninsula to Durban, subtidally to at least 5 m.
Catalogue of life
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References
External links
{{Taxonbar, from=Q3074249
Chaetopleuridae
Chitons described in 1791
Taxa named by Johann Friedrich Gmelin