Corisella
Corisella is a genus of chitons, marine mollusks in the family Chitonidae. These are commonly called “chitons“, or “sea cradles“, and are characterized by their eight overlapping dorsal plates, or valves, which are embedded in a leathery girdle. There are roughly 1,000 species of chiton worldwide, making them one of the most diverse groups of marine mollusks.
Characteristics
Corisella species are relatively small chitons, typically reaching a length of 2-3 cm. Their dorsal valves are often smooth or slightly ridged, and they are typically colored shades of brown, gray, or black. The girdle, which surrounds the valves, is typically covered in short, hair-like structures called spicules. Some species have spicules that are more pronounced and can give the girdle a spiky appearance.
Environment
Corisella chitons are found in a variety of marine environments, including rocky shores, tide pools, and subtidal areas. They are typically found in areas with strong currents and wave action, where they can cling tightly to rocks and other hard surfaces. They are herbivores and feed on algae and diatoms, scraping them off rocks using their radula, a ribbon of teeth.
Common Names
Common names for Corisella species include:
- Chiton
- Sea cradle
- Polyplacophoran