Gumboot Chiton (Cryptochiton stelleri)

Also known as Giant Pacific Chiton, Giant Pacific Gumboot Chiton, Giant Western Fiery Chiton, Meatloaf, Sea Cradle, Wandering Meatloaf, Wellington Boot Chiton

Description

Also known as Giant Pacific Chiton, Giant Pacific Gumboot Chiton, Giant Western Fiery Chiton, Meatloaf, Sea Cradle, Wandering Meatloaf, Wellington Boot Chiton.

Found clinging to rocks, over pebble and stone bottoms, along rocky coastlines, in tide-pools and in very deep waters of the ocean. Largest of the worlds chitons weighing in at about 2kg, often washed up on beaches.
They feed nocturnally on vegetation such as algae, giant kelp and sea lettuce.
Length - 36cm
Depth - 0-600m
Widespread Pacific Ocean

Chitons have few predators and can live up to 40 years. Their shell has eight overlapping plates surrounded by a fleshy girdle. Ref: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gumboot_chiton

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