Plaxiphora obtecta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Plaxiphora obtecta |
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| P. obtecta in situ | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Subclass: |
Neoloricata
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| Order: |
Chitonida
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| Superfamily: |
Mopalioidea
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| Family: |
Mopaliidae
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| Genus: |
Plaxiphora
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| Species: |
P. obtecta
Carpenter in Pilsbry, 1893
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| Synonyms | |
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Guildingia obtecta Iredale & Hull 1932; Morton & Miller 1968, 1973; Walsby & Morton 1982 |
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The Plaxiphora obtecta is a type of large chiton, which is a marine animal with a shell made of eight plates. It belongs to the Mopaliidae family. This chiton is special because it is endemic to New Zealand, meaning it is found nowhere else in the world. You can often spot it on the West Coast of New Zealand's North Island.
Some Māori call this chiton Haka-hiwihiwi. It was probably an important food source for them long ago.
About the Haka-hiwihiwi Chiton
The Haka-hiwihiwi chiton is one of the biggest chitons you can find in New Zealand. It can grow up to 90 millimeters (about 3.5 inches) long and 65 millimeters (about 2.5 inches) wide. Imagine a chiton almost as long as your hand!
What Does It Look Like?
This chiton has a wide, dark brown outer edge called a girdle. This girdle is covered with tiny, short bristles, making it feel a bit rough. Its shell is made of eight separate plates, or valves, which are usually dark green. Sometimes, these valves have a lighter stripe running down the middle.
Where Does It Live?
You can often find the Haka-hiwihiwi chiton in rocky areas along the coast. It likes to hide around the strong bases of seaweed (called holdfasts) or in small cracks and crevices in the rocks. It usually lives in the low intertidal zone, which is the part of the shore that is covered by water during high tide and exposed during low tide. These chitons prefer exposed coasts, where the waves crash directly onto the shore.
