Abyssal chiton [Protoleptochiton principis]
Description
The abyssal chiton, or Protoleptochiton principis, belongs to the family Leptochitonidae. Like its cousins, it is a deep-sea dweller, found in the extreme environments of the abyssal zone of the Pacific Ocean. It has a small, elongated body with a series of eight shell plates. The species is a scavenger, feeding on detritus and small invertebrates. Its coloration is typically pale, ranging from off-white to light gray.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Mollusks
Mollusca
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Chitons
Polyplacophora
|
| Order |
Lepidopleurida
Lepidopleurida
|
| Family |
Leptochitonidae
Leptochitonidae
|
| Genus |
Protoleptochiton
Protoleptochiton
|