Brooding chiton

Introduction: Brooding chitons (Ischnochiton nigrovirescens) are a small species found in groups under stones.

Distribution: From the mouth of the Orange River extending north as far as Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay.

Diet: A herbivore

Colouration: Brownish-black valves and a dark girdle. The large scales are sometimes a coppery sheen.

Breeding: Eggs are kept under the girdle, where they develop into fully-formed, but baby chitons.