Tonicella undocaerulea

Blue lined chiton
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Polyplacophora
Order: Chitonida
Family: Tonicellidae
Genus: Tonicella
Species:
T. undocaerulea
Binomial name
Tonicella undocaerulea
Sirenko, 1973

Tonicella undocaerulea, commonly known as the blue lined chiton, is a species of chiton.

Size and description

The blue-lined chiton features a head plate adorned with zigzagging white concentric lines, which may appear blue while the creature is alive, and lacks a dark border. When in its vibrant state, it often exhibits vivid electric blue stripes and specks. The girdle of this chiton is typically hairless and showcases hues ranging from brown to red or pink, often accompanied by mottling in yellow or white.[1]

Similar species

Tonicella lineata is very similar but has a dark border to the concentric blue lines on the anterior plate. Tonicella lokii is also similar but has radiating bands on the girdle. Mopalia spectabilis looks superficially similar due to its bright blue wavy lines on the valves, but has a hairy girdle.

Distribution and habitat

The natural range of T. undocaerulea stretches from Kodiak, Alaska to Point Conception, California. It is commonly found on rocks in low intertidal and shallow subtidal waters.[2]

Biology

This chiton grazes on coralline algae.[2]

References

  1. ^ Baldwin, A. (2007). Illustrated Keys to the chitons (Polyplacophora). Accessed from: "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-20. Retrieved 2007-12-24.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  2. ^ a b O'Clair, R.M. and C.E. O'Clair. (1998). Southeast Alaska's Rocky Shores. Plant Press: Auke Bay, Alaska. 563 pp.