Ischnochiton bergoti


Ischnochiton bergoti, the ribbed-scale chiton, is a small polyplacophoran mollusc in the family Ischnochitonidae, endemic to the west coast of southern Africa.

Description

The species has somewhat drab colouring and is usually off-white to brown. Valves are finely pitted and may bear subtle radiating ridges. The scales of the girdle each bear between 3 and 8 coarse radiating ribs, visible under the microscope. Average body length is 10–20 mm.

Distribution and habitat

Ischnochiton bergoti occurs along the west coast of southern Africa, in cold Atlantic coastal waters from southern Namibia to Cape Point in South Africa, where it can be found under stones below the high tide mark.

Ecology

Like some other species of chiton, I. bergoti is thought to brood its eggs beneath its girdle.