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Chiton, Hairy

Scientific name:

Acanthochitona zelandica

Maori name:

Papatua (Acanthochitona zelandica)

Other names:

Chiton, Hairy

Category:

Invertebrate

Phylum:

Mollusca

Class:

Polyplacophora

Family:

Acanthochitonidae

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Common habitat(s):

Rocky Shore Intertidal

Other information:

Feeding:

Grazer Feeder

Distribution:

New Zealand

Edibility:

Inedible

Size:

Coin Sized

Identification:

A small narrow chiton which has a spiny girdle. Both the shell and the girdle are pale brown, with irregular blotches of dark brown or white. Oval in shape.

Habitat:

On open rocks, amongst foliose algae, in intertidal rock pools.

Diet:

Grazer.

Lifestyle:

Notes:

References:

NZ Coastal Marine Invertebrates; Vol 1