Florida Chiton

The Florida Chiton is a small, oval-shaped marine mollusk known for its eight overlapping shell plates and tough, flexible body. Commonly found clinging to rocks, reefs, and coral rubble in shallow tropical waters, it plays an important ecological role as a grazer that keeps algae growth under control.

Coloration:

• Typically brown, olive, or gray, often mottled with lighter or darker tones that help it blend into rocky surfaces.

• The girdle (the fleshy band surrounding the plates) may have small spines or scales, giving it a rough texture.

• Some individuals can display subtle greenish or reddish hues depending on habitat and diet.

Typical Size and Abundance:

• Average size: 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm)

• Maximum size: up to 2.5 inches (6 cm)

• Abundance: Fairly common throughout the Caribbean and tropical Atlantic, especially in shallow coastal and reef zones.

Behavior and Aggressiveness:

• Completely non-aggressive.

• Mostly nocturnal, spending the day attached to rocks and feeding at night on algae.

Reproduction and Sexuality:

• Sexual reproduction with separate sexes; not hermaphroditic.

• Fertilization occurs externally when gametes are released into the water.

Toxicity:

• Non-venomous and harmless to humans and tank mates.

Care Difficulty:

• Easy to moderate. Requires rocky surfaces with algae to graze on, stable water conditions, and good water flow. It adapts well to reef aquariums if enough food and shelter are available.

Fun Facts:

1. The chiton’s eight shell plates allow it to flex and grip tightly onto rocks, even in strong waves.

2. Its teeth are reinforced with magnetite—the hardest known biomineral.

3. It has thousands of light-sensitive cells along its body that detect shadows and movement.

4. Fossils of chitons date back more than 400 million years.

5. The Florida Chiton’s ability to survive harsh intertidal conditions makes it one of the toughest mollusks in the region.