Serpent Skin Chiton

Chiton serpent skin
© Tasmanian Government. Image Peter Gouldthorpe
Season: Open all year

bag limit20

 

possession limit-

 

boat limit-

(other shellfish species combined)

Guide to symbols

bagBag Limit
housePossession Limit
boatBoat Limit

Minimum size

None
Measuring

Most scalefish are measured from the nose to the end of the tail. Get your scalefish measuring ruler or sticker at any Service Tasmania outlet.

Other names

chiton, chain mail shell, serpent head chiton, snakeskin chiton


Scientific name

Sypharochiton pelliserpentis

Grows to


Up to

6,5cm

Identifying features


​Chitons have a large, ridged oval shell with alternating grey and brown bars in the centre surrounded by girdle scales with snakeskin-like striations. Their overall colour is greenish brown with patches of mottled white.

​Habitat

Easily visible attached firmly to rocks in sheltered and exposed rocky shores mainly in the middle and lower intertidal zones.

Hotline

Fishwatch Report illegal fishing

0427 655 557

What to report? arrow button

Contact us

Recreational Fishing

Level 3, 134 Macquarie St

Hobart TAS 7000

Phone: (03) 6165 3233, 1300 720 647

Email: fishing.enquiries@nre.tas.gov.au

Commercial Fisheries

Level 3, 134 Macquarie St

GPO Box 44

Phone: (03) 6165 3000, 1300 368 550

Email: commercial.fisheries@nre.tas.gov.au

Commercial Fisheries Licensing

Level 1, 134 Macquarie St

GPO Box 44

Phone: (03) 6165 3000, 1300 368 550

Email: fishing.licensing@nre.tas.gov.au