Beachcombers Field Guide - Department Of Fisheries Western ...

Chiton
Mollusca – Polyplacophora
Chitons or
polyplacophorans, are adapted
for life on rocky surfaces in the wavewashed
intertidal zone. They are oval in
shape, having eight separate shell plates
(resembling and functioning as armour)
that overlap to protect the chiton’s back.
A tough, scaly tissue called the girdle
surrounds this shell. Lacking eyes and
tentacles, these vegetarians
use their radula
(rasping tongue)
to scrape
algae off
rocks.
Did you know?
Normally clinging tightly to
rocks with its broad muscular
foot, a chiton can roll up into a
ball to protect itself if dislodged
by a bird, crab or fi sh.