Description: This chiton reaches a length of up to 2 cm, and is broadly oval in shape, about 1.5 times as long as it is wide. The valves are glossy and smooth, and may have some faint growth rings apparent. They also have a distinct beak and some sculpturing is apparent. The valves are usually coloured light red to orange, but can be green-brown, orange to red-brown, with white or off-white marbling. The girdle is covered in spherical granules, which can give it a 'sandy' or 'grainy' appearance. It is also fringed with spines and usually coloured similarly to the valves (light red to orange but can be orange - red-brown) with white or cream markings, usually at valve junctures.

Habitat: Lower shore and sublittoral.

Distribution: Present on all coasts of Britain and Ireland, except the SE coast of England.

Similar Species: Could be confused with Tonicella marmorea or Callochiton septemvalvis.

Key Identification Features:

• Broadly oval chiton, reaching maximum length of 2 cm.
• Glossy, smooth valves with faint growth rings apparent and distinct beak.
• Valves and girdle usually light red to orange, but this can vary.
• Girdle covered with spherical granules, and fringed with spines.

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

iNaturalist: Boreochiton ruber at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Boreochiton ruber

WoRMS: Boreochiton ruber at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Boreochiton ruber (Linnaeus, 1767). AphiaID: 386411.

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