About Melanochlamys cylindrica Cheeseman, 1881
Adults of Melanochlamys cylindrica measure between 15 and 25 mm in length, and can reach a maximum size of 30 mm. Their body is long and cylindrical, with a uniform black colour that may have an iridescent blue sheen. The rounded head shield has an indentation that can look like two 'tails'. The parapodia are small and held tightly against the sides of the body. A large muscular mouth structure called the buccal bulb is located in the anterior half of the body cavity. Melanochlamys cylindrica occurs along the coasts of New Zealand's North and South Islands. It is not found in the Three Kings Islands/Manawatāwhi, because this area lacks suitable habitat for the species.
