Snakeskin Chiton

Sypharochiton pelliserpentis

Sea Life Native IUCN: Not Evaluated

About

The snakeskin chiton is recongnised by the eight overlapping articulated shell plates on its back and the surface of the girdle in this chiton has a pattern of overlaying scales resembling snakeskin.

They have relatively flexible bodies and can squeeze into narrow crevices – unlike limpets, whose rigid shell prevents entry into such spaces. If detached from rocks, they roll into a ball just as a slater (woodlouse) does

Size

Total length up to 6 cm

Habitat

Lives intertidally attached to rocks, especially on sheltered shores
They cling to rocks with a muscular grip and move slowly over surfaces at high tide.
At low tide the animals mostly retreat to crevices or the undersides of rock

Distribution

South-eastern Australia including Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales

Local Sightings

1 recorded sighting in and around the area.

References & citations (2)
  1. FishBase mirror: Stockholm, Sweden (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)
  2. The Atlas of Living Australia (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)

Header image: CC BY-SA 4.0 © wildroo

Disclaimer: A lot of work goes into making sure identifications, descriptions, sizes, habitats and distribution details are as accurate as possible — but this information is ever-changing, so no guarantee is offered that it is correct or currently valid. Treat it as a guide and do a little of your own research for the latest word. Feedback and corrections are always welcome.