How Do You Identify A Gumboot Chiton?
The gumboot chiton is a prehistoric looking mollusk that lives in the intertidal and subtidal pools of the northern Pacific Ocean. The gumboot chiton’s strange appearance and physical suggestions of ocean evolution patterns make being able to identify the creature worthwhile. Follow these steps to identify the gumboot chiton. Step 1 Look in the right places. Gumboot chitons live in very specific areas and conditions. The chiton likes the subtidal and inter-tidal rocky pools of the cold water of the northern Pacific Ocean. To identify the chiton during the day, set out to the tide pools during foggy or overcast weather when the gumboot chiton is more likely to be out and feeding. Step 2 Look at the animal’s basic shape. The animal is difficult to identify at first sight because of its similarity to rocks and other tidal features. However, a closer look reveals a coating of various colors of algae. Touch the chiton to feel the soft fuzz of the algae to see if you can identify it as a gum
