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.
chiton, chain mail shell, serpent head chiton, snakeskin chiton
Sypharochiton pelliserpentis
Up to
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.
Do not remove as exposure to sun and wind causes them to dry out and prevent them reattaching to rocks. Any damage can leave chitons prone to predation from fish such as wrasse and leatherjackets. Do not take in large numbers because of the risk of local depletion.
Easily visible attached firmly to rocks in sheltered and exposed rocky shores mainly in the middle and lower intertidal zones.
Level 3, 134 Macquarie St
Hobart TAS 7000
Phone: (03) 6165 3233, 1300 720 647
Email: fishing.enquiries@nre.tas.gov.au
GPO Box 44
Phone: (03) 6165 3000, 1300 368 550
Email: commercial.fisheries@nre.tas.gov.au
Level 1, 134 Macquarie St
Email: fishing.licensing@nre.tas.gov.au