Chitons

Chiton / Acanthopleura sp. / Family - Chitonidae

Chitons are small rather flat molluscs commonly found on rocky surfaces in intertidal areas.

Chiton physiology

Most chitons are quite small (between 2 and 5 cm). The largest rarely exceed 30 cm. Chitons have a row of eight 'plates' along their shell back.

Habitat

Chitons are 'stay-at-home' animals that travel only short distances from their home 'territory' to feed. The chiton clings tenaciously to its rock with a broad flat foot. If it becomes detached, it can roll up like an armadillo for protection.

Feeding

Chitons use a sensory organ that extends from the mouth to explore for algae. The algae are then scraped from the rock.

Reproduction

The sexes are separate in chitons. Males fertilise the females with sperm which passes into the female via her gill grooves. Eggs are shed into the sea singly or in strings or masses of jelly.