Chitons are marine mollusks of varying size in the class Polyplacophora, formerly known as Amphineura.
These oval, flattened mollusks are easily recognized by the eight overlapping shell plates or valves along their back. These are surrounded by a tough flexible girdle, often armed with protective scales, hairs or spines that can be useful aids for identification. The head is completely hidden beneath the girdle and lacks eyes or sensory tentacles. The remaining of the underside consists of a broad muscular foot rimmed with small gills.
Chitons are sluggish creatures, usually found sheltering in crevices or beneath rocks. When active, they creep slowly about, rasping encrusting plants or animals from the rock surface with a powerful file-like radula.
There is about 26 southern African species, most of which are found intertidally.
F*CK FISH 