The gumboot chiton is the largest species of chiton, a type of marine mollusk found along the rocky coasts of the North Pacific, from California to Alaska and across to Japan. Known for its reddish-brown, leathery mantle that covers its eight armored plates, the gumboot chiton is often referred to as the “wandering meatloaf” due to its appearance. It can grow up to 36 cm (14 inches) in length and feeds primarily on algae, which it scrapes off rocks using its radula, a tongue-like organ studded with rows of teeth.
Gumboot chiton
