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Gumboot Chiton
Cryptochiton stelleri
44.6021, -124.009
Field Notes
Description:
The gumboot chiton, Cryptochiton stelleri, also known as the Giant Western Firey Chiton, is the largest of the chitons, growing to 36 cm and over 2000 grams. Chitons are molluscs which have eight armored plates (called valves) running in a flexible line down their back. Unlike most chitons, the gumboot's valves are completely hidden by its leathery upper skin or girdle, which is usually reddish-brown, brown, and occasionally orange in color. The gumboot chiton's appearance has led some tidepoolers to fondly refer to it as the "wandering meatloaf."
Habitat:
It is found along the shores of the northern Pacific Ocean from Central California to Alaska, across the Aleutian Islands to the Kamchatka Peninsula and south to Japan. It inhabits the lower intertidal and subtidal zones of rocky coastlines
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