New Zealand Seashore

DSC_5312 Etched chiton, or papatua (Onithochiton neglectus subantarcticus) typical colour variants of southern South Island/Subantarctic Islands form with pink girdles and green 'growth ring' patterned plates. Commonly found in the low intertidal, to depths of 15m. Usually on the underside of cobble or beneath kelp holdfasts, where the sand and rock meet on bedrock. Brighton Beach *

DSC5312Etched chitonTree ring chitonpapatuaOnithochitonneglectussubantarcticusSubantarctic Islandsformpink girdlegreen platescolour variationsintertidalBrighton Beach