About Notoplax violacea (Quoy & Gaimard, 1835)
Notoplax violacea is a distinctive chiton that can reach a maximum length of 62 millimeters. It is set apart by its wide, fleshy girdle, which is orange in most individuals; the girdle is sometimes covered by a layer of greenish algal growth. Its reduced valves bear sculpted purple patterns that often include white markings. Lateral areas of the valves feature pustules, and the head valve has five strong radial ribs. The ventral underside of the chiton is orange. A thin, easily removable film covers the off-white mantle. This species is found on rocky coasts, most commonly under large boulders encrusted with sessile animals including bryozoans, small barnacles, and ascidians. Notoplax violacea preys on these sessile animals, and scientists assume its diet is primarily carnivorous. It occupies habitats ranging from the mid-intertidal zone down to approximately 15 meters in depth.
