Merten's Chiton

Lepidozona mertensii

Merten's Chiton is a small marine mollusk that can reach lengths of up to 5 cm. It is characterized by its overlapping oval scales on the girdle, which give it a granular texture. The girdle may display bands of yellow and red, while the valves can be found in shades of brown, cream, red, or even greenish-purple. This species inhabits intertidal zones and can be found from northern Alaska to northern Mexico, thriving under rocks in these environments. Typically, Merten's Chiton resides at depths ranging from 0 to 100 meters, with many occurrences recorded in shallower waters. As a benthic organism, it is often found in rocky habitats, where it grazes on algae. The reproductive cycle involves females laying eggs in protective cases, which hatch into trochophore larvae that metamorphose directly into juvenile chitons without passing through a veliger stage. Divers may encounter Merten's Chiton while exploring tide pools or rocky substrates. Its distinctive appearance and coloration can help divers identify it among other chitons. While the conservation status of this species has not been evaluated, it is commonly found in its range.