Cryptochiton stelleri

Cryptochiton stelleri

 

Suborder:  Acanthochitonina

 

Family:  Acanthochitonidae

 

Common Name:  Gumboot Chiton

 

Largest chiton in the world

 

Reaches lengths of 20 to 35 cm

 

Reddish-brown girdle completely covers valves

 

Commensal relationship with Arctonoe vittata, a polycaete scale worm

 

Range:  Alaska to California Channel Islands

 

Habitat Zone:  Lower intertidal

 

Found:  Salt Creek, Port Angeles, Washington and Rialto Beach, Forks, Washington

(ITIS 2007, Kozloff 1993, Sept 1999)

Photo 1:  Cryptochiton stelleri

 

Seen on the Washington’s Pacific Coast at Rialto Beach, north of Hole In The Wall.  Near Forks, Washington.

 

Photo by Dr. Bonnie J. Becker