While tidepooling in California, I came across this fine creature. Also known as the Giant Western Fiery Chiton or the Giant Pacific Chiton, it is the largest of the chitons, growing to 14 inches and capable of reaching a weight of more than 4 pounds.

This creature is found along the shores of the northern Pacific Ocean from Central California to Alaska. It inhabits the lower intertidal and subtidal zones of rocky coastlines.

The Gumboot Chiton’s appearance has led some tidepoolers to refer to it, fondly, as the “Wandering Meatloaf.” The name “Gumboot Chiton” seems to derive from a resemblance to part of a rubber Wellington boot or “gum rubber” boot.

Chitons are mollusks that have eight armored plates running in a flexible line down their back. Unlike most chitons, the Gumboot’s plates are completely hidden by its leathery upper skin that usually is reddish-brown or brown, but occasionally is orange in color.

Chitons have long arrays of fine teeth that are partially made of magnetite, making them hard enough to scrape algae off rocks. The Gumboot Chiton’s underside is orange or yellow and consists mostly of a large foot similar to that of other mollusks such as snails or slugs, with gills found in grooves running along the outer edge of the foot.

The Gumboot Chiton has a lifespan of more than 40 years.

Third Eye Herp
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