Katherina tunicata  (Black Katy Chiton)

© Aaron Baldwin (Photo ID #2292)

Photographer's Submitted Details

Photo Location	Halibut Point, Sitka Sound, Alaska
Photographer	Aaron Baldwin
Habitat	Upper intertidal rocks
Photo Date
Upload Date	October 27, 2007
Elevation (m)
Latitude
Longitude
Photo ID #	2292
Comments	This chiton is an unusual member of the Mopaliidae, the family that includes the hairy chitons. Katherina tunicata, called the Black Katy chiton (the Tlingit of SE Alaska call this the gumboot, a name that refers to the giant chiton Cryptochiton stelleri in other regions). In this species the smooth girdle covers all but the central portion of the plates. Photo taken with Pentax Optio W10 underwater camera submerged in shallow aquarium.