The Polyplacophora includes approximately 10-12 families and 800-1,000 extant species of marine molluscs with composite shells (formerly known as Amphineura). They are found in all world’s oceans, from cold waters to the tropics. Chitons live on hard surfaces, from the intertidal and subtidal zones to depths of 6,000-7,000 m. The body measures 1-35 cm. The shell is divided into eight slightly overlapping plates embedded in the muscular girdle. The plates are patterned or sculptured; the girdle often bears bristles, or spikes. The muscular foot allows tight seal to the rocks, and an ability to roll into a ball. The majority of species are herbivorous, scraping algae and bacterial growth from the substrate. Some species are omnivorous or predatory.

Chitonidae (Chitons)
		West Indian Fuzzy Chiton (Acanthopleura granulata)
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