The Bristled Chiton – _Acanthochitona discrepans_ is a species of chiton, a type of marine mollusk known for its eight overlapping shell plates. This particular species is characterized by its distinctive bristled appearance and relatively small size.
Description & Characteristics
The _Acanthochitona discrepans_ is a relatively small chiton, reaching a maximum length of around 2.5 centimeters. Its shell is typically a mottled brown or gray color, with a distinct pattern of raised ridges and bumps. These bumps, or tubercles, are covered in short, bristle-like structures, giving the chiton its characteristic bristled appearance.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Bristled Chiton – _Acanthochitona discrepans_ is found in a variety of habitats along the intertidal and subtidal zones, typically inhabiting rocky shores and tide pools. This makes it a common inhabitant of the nearshore marine zone, as well as the sublittoral zone, which extends from the low tide mark to the edge of the continental shelf. The species prefers areas with moderate wave action and a good supply of algae and detritus. They are typically found in shallow water, with a depth range of 0-50 meters.
Taxonomy
The species _Acanthochitona discrepans_ belongs to the Class: Polyplacophora, commonly known as chitons. This class of mollusks is further classified into the Order: Chitonida, which includes a diverse range of chiton species. The _Acanthochitona discrepans_ specifically belongs to the Family: Acanthochitonidae, which is known for its characteristically bristled chitons.
Feeding
The Bristled Chiton – _Acanthochitona discrepans_ is an herbivore, feeding primarily on algae and detritus. This diet is typical of many chiton species, which use their radula, a toothed structure in their mouth, to scrape algae from rocks and other surfaces. The chiton’s radula is a complex structure made of chitin, which allows it to efficiently graze on its food sources.
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