Gumboot Chiton
Largest of Them All
Description
Large, elongated, flat mollusks with eight plates on its back
Up to 13" long and 5" wide
Largest chiton in the world
Habitat:
Up to 13" long and 5" wide
Largest chiton in the world
Habitat:
- Low Intertidal Zone
- Rocky, Soft bottom
"Clamming Up" To Change
- Dessication
- Salinity
- Oxygen
Special Adaptations
- Rolls into a ball
- 8 plates on its shell makes it harder for predators to get through
- Secretes mucus that swells in contact with water to keep organisms from settling on it
Eating
Eats by using a radula, tongue like with many teeth
Diet:
- Algae, sea lettuce, giant kelp
- Sea stars
- Snails
- Seagulls
Interesting Facts
- Only feeds at night
- Home to yellow polychaete worm; Cleans gills and feed on organic matter