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You are here:   animal list > Cryptoplax larvaeformis

 

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Cryptoplax larvaeformis (Burrow, 1815)

Flexible Chiton of the Great Barrier Reef




Samantha Oliver (2011)



 

   

 

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Overview

Brief Summary


Distribution


Size


Identification Resources


Ecology

Local Distribution and Habitats


Micro-habitats and Associations


Crypsis


Life History & Behaviour

Behaviour


Reproduction


Evolution & Systematics

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Systematics and Phylogenetics


Morphology and Physiology

External Morphology


Internal Anatomy


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Micro-habitats and Associations

Symbiotic relationships:

Pink Coralline-algal structures are abundant on Fijian reefs, occurring above 20m. This coralline algae is usually two-dimensional in shape, however the scrapping radula of the Chiton Cryptoplax larvaeformis alters the growth of the algae producing wonderful three-dimensional structures, resembling honeycomb. The grazing and resulting Altered structure of the coralline algae greatly increases it's biomass, surface area, and volume creating a unique environment and habitat for not only the Cryptoplax larvaeformis, but for all other marine life that inhabits and coral reefs of Fiji (Littler & Littler 1999).

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