Acanthochitona armata is a chiton of the surf zone endemic to Hawaiʻi. It has the common name Bristled chiton.
Description The shell of Acanthochitona armata is typically a light green with black spots and stripes. It grows to about one inch in length. It is oval-shaped with a bilaterally symmetric body. Its girdle has shiny metallic-colored spicules. The girdle holds together valves, which are grainy at its sides. It reproduces through external fertilization.
Distribution and habitat Acanthochitona armata is endemic to Hawai'i. It subsides along the coasts, found along the surf zone, among the rocks and red algae.
Human use and cultural significance Historically, chiton species were not eaten by Hawaiians, but used in ceremonies like the mawaewae to show the presence of firstborns.
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