Description: This is one of the most commonly encountered chitons, who’s common name of grey chiton is a bit of a misnomer! The colour can vary from red, brown, yellow or green, or some combination of these, and they can be patterned with patches and bands. It is often random without any even patterning, and individuals right next to each other can display very different colourations. It reaches a size of up to 24 mm in length and is broadly oval. The valves are smooth and arched, with a distinct low keel and pronounced beak. The surface of the valves has regular, fine granulation and some growth lines may be apparent in adult animals. The girdle is relatively narrow in this species, and covered in conspicuous fine, rounded granules with a fringe of blunt spines. The girdle is usually patterned with bands of colour, but may be uniform.

Habitat: Found from the lower shore to around 70 m, usually on boulders and rocks.

Distribution: Found all around Britain and Ireland. One of the most commonly recorded chitons.

Similar Species: Could be confused with some of the other species of chiton but the low keel and pronounced beak coupled with the relatively narrow girdle should help distinguish it.

Key Identification Features:

• Chiton reaching 24 mm in length with highly variable colouration.
• Smooth, arched valves with a low keel and distinct beak.
• Relatively narrow girdle covered in conspicuous fine granules.
• Fringe of blunt spines around girdle.

Distribution Map from NBN: Lepidochitona cinerea at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Lepidochitona cinerea at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Lepidochitona cinerea

WoRMS: Lepidochitona cinerea at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Lepidochitona cinerea (Linnaeus, 1767). AphiaID: 152774.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Mollusca; Polyplacophora; Neoloricata; Chitonida; Acanthochitonina; Mopalioidea; Tonicellidae; Tonicellinae; Lepidochitona