General Description

Flattened oval shaped body with 8 shell sections (valves) surrounded by a fleshy girdle. Brown to grey with yellow to red markings. Up to 2 cm long.

Biology

This small chiton clings to rocks and probably grazes on algae or encrusting invertebrates for food.

Habitat

Under rocks, often those in mud, from mid tide to below low tide areas.

Reefs

Coastal shores

Distribution guide

South-eastern Australia.

Species Group

Sea snails and shells › Chitons

Depth

Shore (0-1 m)
Shallow (1-30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

2 cm

Diet

Herbivore

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Native to Australia

Identify

• Sea Snails - Chitons

Conservation Status

• DSE Advisory List : Not listed
• EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
• IUCN Red List : Not listed