Northern Spined Chiton
Acanthopleura gemmata
- Group: Other
- Typical depth: 0–2 m
- Max size: 12 cm
- For divers: safe
A heavily plated chiton, this species clamps onto reef rock and mangrove ground from the high tide mark down to a couple of metres. It rasps surface algae with a hard toothed tongue and even grinds out a shallow home scar in the rock to return to between feeds.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Mollusca › Polyplacophora › Chitonida › Chitonidae › Acanthopleura
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 211919.
FAQ
- How deep does the Northern Spined Chiton live?
- The Northern Spined Chiton (Acanthopleura gemmata) is typically found at 0–2 m.
- Is the Northern Spined Chiton dangerous to divers?
- The Northern Spined Chiton is harmless to divers.
- How big does the Northern Spined Chiton get?
- The Northern Spined Chiton grows to about 12 cm.