Callochiton septemvalvis
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| Callochiton septemvalvis | |
|---|---|
_-_Ischnochitonidae_-_Mollusc_shell.jpeg) | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Polyplacophora |
| Order: | Chitonida |
| Family: | Ischnochitonidae |
| Genus: | Callochiton |
| Species: | C. septemvalvis |
| Binomial name | |
| Callochiton septemvalvis Montagu, 1803 | |
Callochiton septemvalvis, the smooth European chiton[1] or smooth mail-shell[2] is a medium-sized species of polyplacophoran mollusc in the family Ishnochitonidae.[3] It was initially described by George Montagu in 1803[3][1] and can be found throughout Europe in shallow waters and several seas including the Mediterranean sea.[4][1]
The smooth European chiton has a medium-sized shell of about 15 to 25 mm, which is smooth, broad, and oval in outline. It is red brick to orange and has eight valves which appear smooth to the naked eye, but are in fact composed of diagonal ridges and small granules that are only visible under microscope. This chiton has a wide body, which is about half or more its body length and Its girdle is broad and covered with small spicules.[1]