Chitons: Polyplacophora

Physical characteristics: This species is distinguished by the girdle around the margins of shell valves, which is greatly expanded toward the front to form a "head flap." The girdle is red and green underneath. The body is up to 1.9 inches (5 centimeters) long, with brown to red shell valves that are short and wide and variously mottled and streaked with green, beige, white, and brown.

Geographic range: Although uncommon, the veiled chiton is found from Forrester Island (Alaska) to Isla Cedros (Baja California) and the upper Gulf of California.

Although uncommon, the veiled chiton is found from Forrester Island (Alaska) to Isla Cedros (Baja California) and the upper Gulf of California. (© Phillip Colla/SeaPics.com)

Habitat: This species lives in rocky depressions and crevices or under stones. They are found from the lower levels of shorelines affected by tidal action to a depth of 50 feet (15.2 meters).

Diet: They scrape algae off rocks or capture small worms and crustaceans.

Behavior and reproduction: This species belongs to the only group of predatory chitons. Like other chitons, this species moves very slowly, but it uses a special flap on the girdle near the head to capture small animals.

California populations reproduce in September.

Veiled chitons and people: This species is not known to impact people or their activities.

Conservation status: Veiled chitons are not considered threatened or endangered. ∎