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Black Katy Chiton
Katharina tunicata
38.41, -123.1
Field Notes
Description:
Black Katy Chiton spotted on a rock during low tide at a Sonoma County beach near Bodega, CA. It was approx 4 inches long and 3 inches wide. Black Katy Chiton are located intertidal to 40m, size up to 15cm, in southern California to northern Alaska; Siberia. This is a common intertidal species with a distinct black, leathery appearance. The girdle covers everything but the very center of the plates.
http://www.bily.com/pnwsc/web-content/Family%20Pages/Chitons%20-%20Mopa…
Habitat:
On a rock during low tide at a Sonoma County beach near Bodega, CA.
Notes:
Katharina tunicata (Wood, 1815) is commonly known as the Black Katy chiton, Black Leather chiton, Black chiton, or Leather chiton. Capable of growing up to 12 cm, it's generally described as being football shaped with a black leathery girdle that embeds protective plates shaped like diamonds. Their underside is dull orange or yellow.
This species is protected in the USA under the Coastal Zone Management Act. These intertidal zones are susceptible to contamination from industrial activities, timber harvesting, mining, seafood processing, as well as coastal development. Over-visitation and over-harvesting are a common concern. Effects of climate change, present and future, are not fully understood but it will likely affect the diversity and structure of the intertidal communities K. tunicata reside in.
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