Rhyssoplax whitleyi
Dark‑belted Chiton
No Local Name
f.CHITONIDAE
Common Chitons
Rhyssoplax whitleyi
Dark‑belted Chiton
No Local Name
f.CHITONIDAE
Common Chitons
Cook Islands Status Summary
Show Notes
Intl. NamesDark‑belted Chiton EN Rarotonga Chiton EN
Local NamesNo NameRR
Pacific NamesNo Content
Sci. NamesRhyssoplax whitleyi (accepted name)
, Chiton (Rhyssoplax) whitleyi, Chiton whitleyi
High Tax. Eng.k.Animals, p.Molluscs, c.Chitons, f.Common Chitons - Chiton
High Tax. Latink.ANIMALIA, p.MOLLUSCA, c.POLYPLACOPHORA, f.CHITONIDAE
Natl. PresencePresent
Sth. PresenceRR++ WMG?AT?MK?MT?AK?PL?MN?TK?
Nth. PresenceTN?MH?RK?PK?NS?SW?
VouchersRR1932c.
Local OriginNative; Resident; Endemic of Cook Is
Global RangeNo Content
HabitatAquatic - Marine - Near-shore - Reef-flat
ThreatenedNo Content
InvasivenessNo Content
BiosecurityNo Content
Medical StatusNo Content
Harmful StatusNo Content
UsesNo Content
IdentificationOval to 17x10mm with 8 valves. VALVE colours distinctive: 1 greenish, 2 cream, 3-5 dark, 6-7 cream and 8 greenish. GIRDLE with alternate cream and brown bands, with medium scales.
Similar SpeciesNo Content
Interest NoteNo Content
Show All Notes
Multimedia & Other Resources
Click on a thumbnail to see the full image and image details.
Vernacular Names
Citation Information
McCormack, Gerald (2026) Cook Islands Biodiversity & Ethnobiology Database, Version 2026.04.01 - Cook Islands Natural Heritage Trust, Rarotonga. Online at https://naturalheritage.gov.ck/cibed
Please refer to our use policy.
Saved Species
X of 20
- Save Species