Spiny Chiton

Acanthochitona garnoti

Acanthochitona garnoti is a medium-sized chiton found along the southern coast of Africa, ranging from Cape Columbine in Namibia to KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. This species is notable for its girdle, which is adorned with nine pairs of long, glassy spines, along with many smaller sharp spicules that can irritate if handled carelessly. The valves are typically a dull brown and feature pale stripes, but they are mostly covered by the girdle. Adults usually grow to sizes between 30 and 45 mm. Spiny Chitons are typically found on exposed rock surfaces in the inter-tidal zone, often at heights that are unusual for chitons, making them visible during low tide. They are mainly active at night, foraging for food within a small area of 10 to 30 cm around their position. Their feeding behavior changes depending on the type of substrate, with different methods used when on rocky surfaces compared to sandy ones. Divers may find them interesting to observe as they cling to rocks, particularly during nighttime. The conservation status of Acanthochitona garnoti is currently not specified, indicating a lack of significant threats at this time. However, divers should exercise caution when interacting with this species due to the sharp spicules that can cause skin irritation if touched without care.