West Indian Fuzzy Chiton (Acanthopleura granulata) (Gmelin, 1791)

 

Synonyms:Chiton granulatus, Chiton blauneri, Chiton mucronulatus, Chiton convexus, Chiton occidentalis, Chiton piceus, Chiton salamander

 

 

Acanthopleura granulata occurs in southern Florida, the Bahamas and the Caribbean. It inhabits the intertidal zone on rocky shores, including the spray zone. The size is 5-10 cm. The shell consists of 8 plates; the girdle is gray with black bands and hair-like spines. The surface of plates is brown and granulated, though usually encrusted with algae or eroded, adding to camouflage. This species feeds on algal growths, scraping it off the rocks.

 

		D48220 West Indian Fuzzy Chiton (Acanthopleura granulata) South Bimini, Bahamas Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D48013 West Indian Fuzzy Chiton (Acanthopleura granulata) South Bimini, Bahamas Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D48219 West Indian Fuzzy Chiton (Acanthopleura granulata) West Indian Top Snail (Cittarium pica) Frillfin Goby (Bathygobius soporator) South Bimini, Bahamas Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D48267 West Indian Fuzzy Chiton (Acanthopleura granulata) South Bimini, Bahamas Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
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