Callochiton septemvalvis
Species
Callochiton septemvalvis
<p><em>Callochiton septemvalvis</em> (Montagu, 1803)</p>
Callochiton septemvalvis. February 2002 from Norway (Børsabergan - The Trondheim Fjord / 9 metres).
Species
Photographer / copyright holder
Kåre Telnes (http://www.seawater.no)
Callochiton septemvalvis. February 2002 from Norway (Børsabergan - The Trondheim Fjord / 9 metres).
Close up of girdle and valve sculpture in Callochiton septemvalvis. Note the snake-skin like appearance of the girdle and black pigmented spots on the valve surface.
Species
Photographer / copyright holder
Steve Wilkinson
Close up of girdle and valve sculpture. Note the snake-skin like appearance of the girdle and black pigmented spots on the valve surface
Callochiton septemvalvis
Distribution and status
Occurs from Norway to the Mediterranean. It is found through-out the British Isles though generally is only found in low numbers.
The map provided here shows the distribution of the species based on Conchological Society data.
Ecology and behaviour
Lives on the underside of stones and pebbles embedded in sand. It feeds by grazing material from the rock surface using its radula. It is most often found very low on the shore and shallow subtidal areas but can occur to a depth of 150m.
Key identification features
- Relative broad girdle with densely packed cigar shaped spicules
- Black pigmented spots on the head and tail valves and lateral areas of intermediate ones
References and links
- Baxter, J.M. and Jones, A.M. 1987. Molluscs: Caudofoveata Solenogastres Polyplacophora and Scaphopoda. London.
Taxon version key
[NBNSYS0000174295]
Sort order
435
Taxonomic group
Chiton
Size: Up to about 32mm long. Shape: Relatively wide girdle with the shell making up 60% of the width.