Acanthochitona crinita
Occurs from Norway to the Mediterranean and Adriatic seas [GBIF map]. It is found all around the coasts of Britain and Ireland and is not uncommon. While it sometimes occurs in very high densities it more generally found in relatively low numbers.
Acanthochitona crinita
The map provided here shows the distribution of the species based on Conchological Society data held by the National Biodiversity Network (NBN). See terms and conditions.
The following datasets are included:
- Conchological Society of Great Britain & Ireland: marine mollusc records
Open an NBN Atlas interactive map of this data in a new window.
Lives on the underside of rocks and boulders usually lightly embedded in sand or gravel. It feeds by grazing material from the rock surface using its radula. Most common in the low shore or shallow subtidal areas but can occur to a depth of 50m.
- Acanthochitona fascicularis has densely packed round granulations on the valve surface and a wider girdle.
- Relatively wide girdle with eighteen conspicuous tufts of colourless bristles.
- Coarse granules on the valves which are tear-drop shaped or oval.
- Baxter, J.M. and Jones, A.M. 1987. Molluscs: Caudofoveata Solenogastres Polyplacophora and Scaphopoda. London.
Taxon details available from MolluscaBase (AphiaID 138675):
Acanthochitona crinita (Pennant, 1777)
The UK NBN Atlas entry for the species can be accessed via this link.
Size: Up to about 34mm long. Shape: Very broad girdle with the shell making up 40-50% of the width. Valves are relatively flat, with a very slight keel.