Cooper's Chiton

Lepidozona cooperi

Cooper's Chiton is a moderately large chiton, measuring between 30 to 40 mm in length. Its exterior features dull olive green to gray valves, while the interior is sky blue. The girdle is textured with flat, deeply ridged scales, and the end valves display prominent beads arranged in radial ridges. This distinctive morphology helps differentiate it from other chitons in the region. This species inhabits intertidal zones, commonly found among rocks and boulders along the Eastern Pacific coast, from Vancouver Island down to Baja California. It typically resides at depths ranging from 0 to 20 meters, with most occurrences recorded shallower than 40 meters. Divers may encounter Cooper's Chiton in rocky habitats, where it can be seen grazing on algae and other organic matter. Cooper's Chiton reproduces like many mollusks, with eggs that hatch into planktonic trochophore larvae. These larvae undergo a direct metamorphosis into young adults without passing through a veliger stage. When diving, encountering this species can be a rewarding experience, as they often cling to surfaces, blending in with their surroundings. It is considered a common species in its range, making it a familiar sight for divers exploring intertidal ecosystems.