Rhyssoplax stangeri

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Rhyssoplax stangeri
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Polyplacophora
Order: Chitonida
Suborder: Chitonina
Superfamily: Chitonoidea
Family: Chitonidae
Genus: Rhyssoplax
Species: R. stangeri
Binomial name
Rhyssoplax stangeri
(Reeve, 1847)
Synonyms

Chiton stangeri Reeve, 1847

Rhyssoplax stangeri is a species of chiton in the family Chitonidae.

Contents

[edit] Distribution

This species is endemic to the North Island and the northern half of the South Island of New Zealand. It is common in the Manukau Harbour.

[edit] Habitat

This chiton is found at low tide and in shallow water, on shells and under stones.

[edit] Description

The shell is small, similar to Rhyssoplax canaliculata but not so elevated. Sculpture is similar but with a wider smooth area at the jugum.

Coloration is variable, usually pale green, longitudinally streaked, and irregularly spotted in darker green. The ground colour in some ranges from buff to orange-brown.

Length is up to 20 mm, and width up to 12 mm.

[edit] References