Callochiton dentatus, the broad chiton, is a medium to large-sized polyplacophoran mollusc in the family Callochitonidae,[1] found on the coast of southern Africa.
This is a very flat and broad chiton with valves that are dark brown to orange, shiny and finely granulated. The wide girdle is densely covered with very small, elongate scales that produce a velvet-like texture. The margin of each valve contains a diagnostic slit that is visible if the girdle is pulled away. The species reaches a size of 20–50 mm.[2]
Callochiton dentatus occurs along the south coast of Africa, from Cape Columbine in Namibia to the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. It is uncommon and can usually be found as solitary individuals under rocks near the low tide mark.[2] The original description by Lorenz Spengler recorded it at the Cape of Good Hope.[3]
Callochiton dentatus, the broad chiton, is a medium to large-sized polyplacophoran mollusc in the family Callochitonidae, found on the coast of southern Africa.