More than 2200 species of the wild flora and fauna photographed in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico and the surrounding area.
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Molluscs of Zihuatanejo
PHYLUM MOLLUSCA
Callistoplax retusa
-Chitons (Class Polyplacophora)
-Neoloricate Chitons (Subclass Neoloricata)
-Order (Chitonida)
-Suborder Chitonina
-Superfamily Chitonoidea
-Family Callistoplacidae
-Genus Callistoplax
-Callistoplax retusa
The Callistoplax retusa chiton is a small to medium-sized marine mollusk in the class Polyplacophora, found along rocky shores of the eastern Pacific. Like other chitons, it has a low, oval body covered by eight overlapping shell plates surrounded by a broad, leathery girdle. In C. retusa, the plates are typically dull gray to brown and finely sculptured, while the girdle may be textured with small scales or bristles, helping it blend into rock surfaces. This chiton clings tightly to rocks in the intertidal zone, where it grazes on algae and microscopic organisms using its rasping radula. Well adapted to wave-swept habitats, Callistoplax retusa is most active at night or during high tide and plays an important role in controlling algal growth on rocky reefs.
Description
Callistoplax retusa is a small to medium-sized marine chiton in the family Callistoplacidae. Its elongated, flattened body is protected by eight overlapping shell plates, usually creamy yellow, greyish, or brown with prominent sculptured ribs. A narrow leathery girdle surrounds the plates and bears fine bristles. Adults typically reach about 14–24 mm in length.
Range
Callistoplax retusa occurs along the eastern Pacific coast of Central America, from the Tres Marías Islands off Nayarit, Mexico, south to Panama. It is found along the Pacific coast of Guerrero, including the Zihuatanejo area.
Habitat
It inhabits rocky intertidal shores and shallow subtidal environments, often attached firmly to large rocks partly buried in sand or covered with brown and red algae. It can occur in wave-exposed areas and has been found at depths of several metres, occasionally reaching around 12 m.
Diet
Callistoplax retusa grazes on algae and microscopic organisms growing on rock surfaces. Using its rasping feeding structure, called a radula, it scrapes away algae and organic films while moving over submerged rocks.