spiny chiton

Morphology

This species is the type of the genus Acanthopleura. The animal is notably dark in coloration, oval in shape and of medium to large size (10 cm), relative to other chitons. Like other chitons, there is a girdle or fleshy skirt that defines the shape of the animal, the 8 plates are embedded into this structure. The significant feature of this species, relative to other chitons occupying a similar habitat, are the thick black spines of variable length embedded in the girdle. 

Behaviour

Exposed, slow moving grazer

Method of reproduction

Acanthopleura spinosa, like all chitons, have separate sexes. Males release sperm into the watern column and females release a string of eggs, with fertilization taking place externally. 

Habitat

Marine

Intertidal on limestone shorelines, rocky reefs and exposed habitats

Distribution

Indo-west Pacific. In Australia, the Australian Faunal Directory lists it from Northwest cape in WA across to Cape York in northern QLD.