About Chiton magnificus Deshayes, 1827
Chiton magnificus Deshayes, 1827 is a very large chiton species. Confirmed specimens measure up to 17.4 cm (6.9 in) in length, and the species has a shiny, very dark bluish-grey appearance.
This chiton's native range covers the Pacific coast of South America, extending from Cape Horn in Chile north to San Lorenzo Island in Peru. Old records that list this species from the Galápagos Islands are currently considered incorrect. It inhabits rocky coastal areas with strong currents, including rock pools, and occurs at depths between 0 and 31 m (0 to 102 ft). In northern Chile, this species is only found in subtidal areas.
Chiton magnificus is edible. While it is relatively uncommon, it is one of the few commercially important chiton species in its range. The other commercially important chitons in the area are the even larger (up to 23 cm/9.1 in) spiny Acanthopleura echinata, and the smaller (up to 4.5 cm/1.8 in) brownish Chiton granosus.
