Not sure if it is hard or soft shelled, but was found off the coast of San Diego, CA. Thanks
Cryptochiton stelleri, the gumboot chiton. Largest chiton on the west coast of the US.
Yes, definitely Cryptochiton, Beth. The mantle covers the shell plates, which thus are buried beneath. Beautiful creatures; thanks for sharing. Bruce
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gumboot_chiton
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwGmVMZXERQ
Hi Beth,
Would you please be more specific about where and how you collected your Cryptochiton? It's known range does not extend as far south as San Diego. The chiton looks dead, like these, washed up on a beach in northern California. http://biology.fullerton.edu/biol317/im/s15/ft_s15_rm_1_31_15/rm_1_31_15-131.html. Might it have been discarded by a beach visitor or from a passing boat? . This record is questioned by Dr. Eernisse, expert on Pacific Coast chitons. It occurs in the Oregonian marine faunal province, north of Point Conception.
Good point. Live Cryptochiton in CA are usually reddish - and ornery.
Unfortunately, I did not collect this specimen as I reside in Florida.This was observed by a student living in the San Diego area who asked me if I could identify it..
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