Giant Pacific Chiton [Tonicia californica]
Description
The Giant Pacific Chiton is one of the largest chitons, with a length that can reach up to 33 cm. They are native to the Pacific coast of North America, from Alaska to Baja California. Their shell is often greenish-brown to black and has a pattern of light and dark lines or patches. They are found in the intertidal zone on rocky substrates, where they graze on algae.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Mollusks
Mollusca
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Chitons
Polyplacophora
|
| Order |
Lepidopleurida
Lepidopleurida
|
| Family |
Chitonidae
Chitonidae
|
| Genus |
Tonicia
Tonicia
|