Onithochiton literatus

Onithochiton literatus, the black chiton, is a medium to large-sized polyplacophoran mollusc in the family Chitonidae,[1] found on the east coast of Africa.

Onithochiton literatus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Polyplacophora
Order: Chitonida
Family: Chitonidae
Genus: Onithochiton
Species:
O. literatus
Binomial name
Onithochiton literatus
(Krauss, 1848)
Synonyms
  • Chiton literatus Krauss, 1848

Description

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The species is usually brownish black, with valves incised with radiating wavy lines; these may be heavily eroded in older specimens. The broad and velvety girdle is brown to black and bears tiny embedded spicules. Adult size is 20–50 mm.[2]

Distribution and habitat

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Onithochiton literatus occurs along the east coast of Africa, from the Cape of Good Hope to at least as far north as Somalia and possibly into the Red Sea.[1] It is quite common and can be found along the margins of inter-tidal rock pools or more exposed on wave-washed rocks.[2]

Use by humans

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In KwaZulu-Natal, the species is a common component of traditional medicines, and may also be collected as a food item in rural areas.[3]

References

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  1. ^ a b E. Schwabe (2015). "Chiton politus". WoRMS. World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved 29 December 2016.
  2. ^ a b Branch, G. M.; Griffiths, C. L.; Branch, M. L.; Beckley, L. E. (2010). Two Oceans: a Guide to the Marine Life of Southern Africa. Cape Town: Struik Nature.
  3. ^ Herbert, D. G.; Hamer, M. L.; Mander, M.; Mkhize, N.; Prins, F. (2003). "Invertebrate animals as a component of the traditional medicine trade in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa". African Invertebrates. 44 (2): 327–344.