Leptochiton algesirensis (Capellini, 1859)
Algarve to Canarias, W. Mediterranean.
Grazer in the infralittoral.
Original taxon: Chiton algesirensis.
 
« Head valve less than semicircular, posterior margin widely V-shaped, notched in the middle. Intermediate valves broadly rectangular, front and hind margins straight and perpendicular, except in valve VII where the anterior margin is slightly concave; apices not indicated. […] Tail valve semicircular, front margin regularly convex, mucro central, somewhat swollen but not prominent, postmucronal slope straight. » – Kaas & Van Belle: Monograph of Living Chitons, Leiden 1985, p. 46.

Above and below: 3m deep, under stones, SW. end of Ghjunchitu cove, Isola Rossa, NW. Corsica. 11-13mm.
A synonym is granoliratus Carpenter in Pilsbry.
Chiton algesirensis in J. Capellini: “Catalogue des Oscabrions de la Méditerranée”, Journal de Conchyliologie, ser. II vol. III pl. XII, Paris 1858.
« Chiton testa ovali non carinata, albido-fulva; valvulis extremis et areis lateralibus plicis concentricis ornatis; areis medianis oculo nudo laevibus, sub lente longitudinaliter striatis; limbo squammoso mediocri. »
A rather constant species.
1m deep, gulf of Cagliari, S. Sardinia.
Original pictures provided by A. Nappo (IT).
– (CC BY-NC-SA) –
Intertidal, on rock, north of the harbour, Vila Nova de Milfontes, Odemira, Alentejo, S. Portugal. Original picture provided by M. Pessanha Pais for iNaturalist – (CC BY-NC).

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