What are Chitons?
Chitons are molluscs (Phylum Mollusca) like snails, slugs and clams. They belong to a separate Class Polyplacophora. About half the chiton species are found in shallow waters, while the rest are found in deep water. Features: Ranging from 3mm to 40cm, most are about 3-12cm long. Those on our shores tend to be 3cm or less. These sluggish animals are adapted for clinging tenaciously to a hard surface. A chiton is basically just a large flat foot. The oval flattened body is made up of a thick body with 8 overlapping plates along the centre. ‘Polyplacophora’ means ‘bearer of many plates’. The animal is sometimes also called coat-of-mail mollusc. A thick, stiff mantle covers the body forming a girdle around the plates to the body edges. The girdle may be smooth, or have scales or bristles. A chiton can create a powerful suction to cling tenaciously onto a hard surface. According to Ruppert “A chiton forewarned is almost impossible to remove without damaging the animal”. If it is dislodged,
