---
title: Chitons (Polyplacophora)
scientific_name: Polyplacophora
common_name: Chitons
rank: Class
published: 2024-11-19T18:41:51.573Z
updated: 2026-08-03T20:50:29.968Z
tags: Chitons, Polyplacophora, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/invertebrate/molluscs/chitons
---

# Chitons (*Polyplacophora*)

## Quick facts

- **Rank:** Class
- **Scientific name:** Polyplacophora
- **Body shape:** Invertebrate - Not a fish - coral, mollusc, crustacean, echinoderm and other invertebrate groups.
- **Species listed here:** 4

## How to recognise this group

- oval, flattened body outline
- dorsal shell with eight distinct, overlapping plates
- tough, muscular girdle surrounding the shell plates
- cryptic camouflage of browns, greys, greens or reds
- clings tightly to hard substrates like rocks and coral

Chitons are marine molluscs with an elongated, oval body, covered dorsally by eight articulated shell plates (valves) embedded in a tough, muscular girdle. The plates vary in colour, pattern, and texture, often camouflaged with browns, greys, greens, or reds. Their ventral side features a broad, muscular foot used for adhesion and locomotion. Most species in the Red Sea grow to 2-5 cm (0.8-2 in) in length, though some individuals can reach up to 10 cm (4 in).

These animals cling tightly to hard substrates such as rocks, dead coral, and rubble, found from the intertidal zone down to 30 metres (100 ft) on reef flats and slopes. Chitons are primarily herbivorous, slowly grazing microalgae and detritus from surfaces using a radula. Some species are carnivorous, preying on small sessile invertebrates. When disturbed, they can roll into a protective ball. Their cryptic nature, slow movement, and effective camouflage often mean they blend seamlessly into their environment.


## Species (4)

- [Pearly Chiton (Lucilina perligera)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/invertebrate/molluscs/chitons/pearly-chiton)
- [Red Sea Chiton (Onithochiton erythraeus)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/invertebrate/molluscs/chitons/red-sea-chiton)
- [Vaillant's Chiton (Acanthopleura vaillantii)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/invertebrate/molluscs/chitons/vaillants-chiton)
- [Yerbury's Chiton (Ischnochiton yerburyi)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/invertebrate/molluscs/chitons/yerburys-chiton)

---

*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/invertebrate/molluscs/chitons)*
*Updated: August 3, 2026*