Dinoplax validifossus, the Natal giant chiton, is a large polyplacophoran mollusc in the family Chaetopleuridae,[1] found on the eastern coast of southern Africa. It was originally considered a subspecies of the giant chiton.[2]
| Dinoplax validifossus | |
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Polyplacophora |
| Order: | Chitonida |
| Family: | Chaetopleuridae |
| Genus: | Dinoplax |
| Species: | D. validifossus
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| Binomial name | |
| Dinoplax validifossus Ashby, 1934
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| Synonyms | |
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Description
editThis species is similar to the giant chiton, displaying large arched, grey or brown valves that may be heavily eroded. However, the hairs on its brown girdle are uniformly distributed rather than clumped. Adults may reach a total body length of 50–70 mm.[3]
Distribution and habitat
editDinoplax validifossus occurs along a stretch of the east coast of South Africa from the northern Transkei to KwaZulu-Natal. It is often encountered in small groups and inhabits sandy gullies.[3]
References
edit- ^ B. Marshall, E. Schwabe (2015). "Dinoplax validifossus". WoRMS. World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved 29 December 2016.
- ^ Edwin Ashby (1931). "VIII. Notes on the Chiton, Dinoplax gigas with descriptions of the juvenile and various varieties". Durban Museum Novitates. 3 (4): 77–79.
- ^ 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.
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