About Eudoxochiton nobilis (Gray, 1843)
This description covers the appearance, life stages, habitat, and distribution of Eudoxochiton nobilis (Gray, 1843). This species is endemic to New Zealand. It can be found in New Zealand on open rock surfaces within kelp beds, on boulders, or occasionally in rockpools. It is frequent from the low intertidal zone down to 30 meters deep, occurring around New Zealand's two main islands, Stewart Island, the Chatham Islands, and the Kermadec Islands. Adults are the largest chiton species native to New Zealand, reaching up to 110 millimeters in length. They have an oval shape, and are surrounded by a leathery girdle covered in short bristles. Their colour ranges from dark brown to olive-green; their valves are often covered in encrustations or eroded, and numerous shell eyes dot the valve surfaces. Juveniles are much flatter than mature individuals. Their valves have a cryptic covering of mottled pink, brown, green, and yellow hues. Juveniles are often found under rocks or boulders, resting in sand or gravel.
