A very flattened, oval chiton with shell plates that can have wavy dark lines over a light cream to olive green background, although these are often encrusted with other animals and seaweed. The most distinctive feature is the wide reddish girdle surrounding the shell plates. The girdle also has long bristles on the inner and outer margins with shorter ones on the inside.

Found on open rock surfaces on wave exposed shores from the low to mid tide zones.

A grazer, feeding on algae.

Moulds very closely to the shape of the rock, and clamps down very hard to avoid being swept off by the waves. Nearly impossible to get off the rocks without injuring it. Not a very commonly seen species.

Photo Credit: Rod Morris. Photos available from www.rodmorris.co.nz