less than 1 minute read

Chitons: Polyplacophora

Physical Characteristics, Behavior And Reproduction, Gumboot Chiton (cryptochiton Stelleri): Species Accounts, Veiled Chiton (placiphorella Velata): Species AccountsGEOGRAPHIC RANGE, HABITAT, DIET, CHITONS AND PEOPLE, CONSERVA



GUMBOOT CHITON (Cryptochiton stelleri): SPECIES ACCOUNTS
VEILED CHITON (Placiphorella velata): SPECIES ACCOUNTS

Chitons are found along seashores worldwide but are most common in cooler waters.


Chitons live on hard surfaces, especially rocks. They are found from the seashore to depths of more than 13,123 feet (4,000 meters).


Chitons eat many kinds of algae (AL-jee). Placiphorella velata preys on worms and small crustaceans.


Native Americans living along the Pacific Coast of North America used to eat the gumboot chiton, Cryptochiton stelleri. The remains of their valves are commonly found in their ancient trash heaps.


No species of chiton is considered threatened or endangered.

Additional topics

Animal Life ResourceMollusks, Crustaceans, and Related Species