| Chiton magnificus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Museum specimen ofChiton magnificus from Chile | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Polyplacophora |
| Order: | Chitonida |
| Family: | Chitonidae |
| Genus: | Chiton |
| Species: | C. magnificus |
| Binomial name | |
| Chiton magnificus (Deshayes, 1844) | |
Chiton magnificus, theliquorice sea cradle, is a Southeast Pacificspecies of ediblechiton, amarinepolyplacophoranmollusk in the familyChitonidae, the typical chitons.[1]
Chiton magnificus is a very large chiton, with specimen confirmed at length of up to 17.4 cm (6.9 in). It is shiny and very dark bluish-grey.[2]
The distribution ofChiton magnificus ranges along the Pacific coast of South America fromCape Horn in Chile[3] toSan Lorenzo Island in Peru.[2] Although there are old claimed records of this species from theGalápagos Islands, these are now considered incorrect.[2]
This species is found in places with strong current along rocky coasts, including pools.[2] It can be found at depths of 0–31 m (0–102 ft),[4] but in northern Chile it appears to be restricted tosubtidal areas.[2]
Chiton magnificus is edible. Although relatively uncommon, it is one of the few commercially important chitons in its range, others being the even larger, up to 23 cm (9.1 in), spinyAcanthopleura echinata and the smaller, up to 4.5 cm (1.8 in), brownishChiton granosus.[2][5]