Acanthochitonidae

Acanthochitonidae
Acanthochitona zelandica
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Mollusca
Class:	Polyplacophora
Order:	Chitonida
Suborder:	Acanthochitonina
Family:	Acanthochitonidae Pilsbry, 1893
Synonyms
Acanthochitidae

Acanthochitonidae is a family of marine mollusks belonging to the class Polyplacophora, commonly known as chitons. Species are widely distributed throughout the world's oceans, but are most commonly found in the shallow waters of the Pacific Ocean, from Alaska to Chile.

Description

Acanthochitonidae are characterized by a broad girdle covered in coarse spines with erect tufts of up to ten large bristles. The coarsely granular valves of the shell are partially overlapped by the girdle. The articulating flange, or articulamentum, is well developed. The margin of the cephalic plate has about five slits, and the lateral insertion plates all have a single notch. These small to large chitons have a distinctive appearance, and are easily recognizable by their characteristic spiny girdle.

Habitat

Acanthochitonidae chitons are found in a variety of marine habitats, including rocky intertidal zones, coral reefs, and seagrass beds. They are also found in deep sea environments, with some species occurring as deep as 3,000 meters. Acanthochitonidae chitons are known to be active grazers, feeding primarily on algae and detritus.

Reproduction

Like other chitons, Acanthochitonidae are dioecious, meaning they have separate sexes. Fertilization is external, with males releasing sperm into the water, which is then taken in by females. The eggs are then fertilized internally and laid in capsules that are cemented to hard surfaces.

Ecological significance

Acanthochitonidae chitons play an important role in marine ecosystems, serving as grazers and helping to maintain the balance of marine communities. They are preyed upon by a variety of predators, including sea stars, crabs, and fish.

Conservation

Several species of Acanthochitonidae chitons are of conservation concern, particularly in areas where they are heavily harvested for food or decorative purposes. In some regions, they are also threatened by habitat destruction and pollution.

Taxonomy

The family Acanthochitonidae includes approximately 80 species, distributed across 13 genera. Taxonomic classification within this family has been a subject of debate, with some species being moved between genera or reassigned to other families. Molecular phylogenetic studies have helped to clarify the relationships between different taxa within the family, and have led to the establishment of several new genera.

Genera

According to the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) the following genera are included in this family:

† Afossochiton Ashby, 1925

† Lirachiton Ashby & Cotton, 1939

Sulcichiton Sirenko, 2021

Subfamily Acanthochitoninae Pilsbry, 1893

• Acanthochitona Gray, 1821
• Americhiton Watters, 1990
• Bassethullia Pilsbry, 1928
• Choneplax Carpenter MS, Dall, 1882
• Craspedochiton Shuttleworth, 1853
• Craspedoplax Iredale & Hull, 1925
• Cryptoconchus de Blainville MS, Burrow, 1815
• Leptoplax Carpenter MS, Dall, 1882
• Notoplax H. Adams, 1862
• † Pseudoacanthochitona Šulc, 1934
• Pseudotonicia Ashby, 1928

Subfamily Cryptochitoninae Pilsbry, 1893

• Cryptochiton Middendorff, 1847

References

• Vaught, K.C. (1989). A classification of the living Mollusca. American Malacologists: Melbourne, FL (USA). ISBN 0-915826-22-4. XII, 195 pp