Home > Invertebrates > Chitons

Updated 1/3/2026

Class Polyplacophora

Chitons

Chitons are low-profile mollusks that cling tightly to rocks and graze upon algal film.  They are protected by several rectangular plates encircled by a tough girdle, providing flexibility and reducing energy consumption.  The group is well-represented in cool seas while Hawaii has only four endemic species.

 

HAWAII - ENDEMIC

Rhyssoplax linsleyi

LINSLEY'S CHITON

 

 Stenoplax petaloides

LEAF CHITON
Acanthochitona armata

BRISTLED CHITON

 

  
   

JAPAN

Liolophura japonica

JAPANESE CHITON   Hizaragai

 

  

NORTHEAST PACIFIC

Cryptochiton stelleri

GIANT or GUMBOOT CHITON

 

 Katharina tunicata

BLACK CHITON or KATY
Mopalia ciliata

HAIRY CHITON

 

 Mopalia spectabilis

RED-FLECKED CHITON
Tonicella lineata

LINED CHITON

 

 Tonicella undocaerulea

BLUE-LINE CHITON
Lepidozona mertensii

MERTEN'S CHITON

 

 Nuttallina californica

CALIFORNIA SPINY or NUTTALL'S CHITON