Title: Ischnochiton papillosus (C.B. Adams, 1845)
reefnet - February 29, 2012 01:39 AM (GMT)
From Grand Cayman, 1/2-inch long. Is this
Ischnochiton erythronotus (C. B. Adams, 1845)? [Photo: Everett Turner].
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Les Wilk
www.reefnet.ca
Susan J. Hewitt - February 29, 2012 07:16 PM (GMT)
I am no great chiton expert, but I would think that this has to be Ishnochiton erythronotus because of its overall appearance as well as its gorgeous colors. This is a hugely variable species in terms of the coloration and the patterning. This chiton can be red, purple, orange, green, off-white, tan, as well as cool combos of the above colors. The top image is far superior to the bottom image as I'm sure you know.
notoplax - March 1, 2012 01:33 PM (GMT)
Hi Les,
My guess it's an Ischnochiton papillosus (C.B. Adams, 1845) as I seem to distinguish quincunxially arranged granules...
greetings,
Bruno
Susan J. Hewitt - March 1, 2012 10:53 PM (GMT)
Yes, looking in Rios 2003, the sculpture does look a lot more like I. papillosus. I had no idea that it could get so spectacularly beautiful and gorgeously colorful like this! So, are the papules/granules really arranged in groups of 5, or are they just evenly spaced?
reefnet - March 2, 2012 04:58 PM (GMT)
So, has I. papillosus with this coloration ever been reported?
What is more likely, a bizarrely colored I. papillosus or an undescribed species with quincunxially arranged granules?
Les
gwatters - March 2, 2012 10:32 PM (GMT)
My first thought was I. papillosus as well, but I've never seen one so brilliantly colored. Not erythronotus or striolatus - no indication of linear ribs on the central areas or concentric sculpture on the laterals. And the Word for the Day is 'quincunx." I don't think anyone but us chiton-heads say 'quincunx.' Look it up.
reefnet - March 5, 2012 02:09 AM (GMT)
" I don't think anyone but us chiton-heads say 'quincunx.' "
I said it today while playing scrabble. Bingo!
