Keep's Chiton

Cyanoplax keepiana

Keep's Chiton is a small chiton species, measuring less than an inch long, with distinctive blue markings on its plates that are best seen with a hand lens. This species is typically found along the Pacific coast of North America, specifically in sandy or rocky tide pools from Cayucos, California, to the Revillagigedo Islands of Mexico. Divers can expect to encounter them in fairly warm waters, where they often blend into their surroundings due to their cryptic coloration. In terms of diet, Keep's Chiton primarily feeds on algae and organic matter, grazing on these resources in its habitat. The reproductive habits of this species are not extensively documented, but chitons generally exhibit external fertilization, with eggs and sperm released into the water column. Encounters with this chiton during dives can be intriguing, as divers may need to look closely to spot them among the tide pool substrate. While the conservation status of Keep's Chiton is not explicitly stated, divers should be mindful of their impact on tide pool environments to help preserve these unique creatures.