Introduced Species

For other Molluscs

Ischnochiton australis - Chiton (Edgar, 1997)

Habitat: Under rocks on reef; 0 - 8 m depth Distribution: SA to QLD and around Tasmania Maximum Size: Length to 90 mm Diet: Encrusting plants and animals Comments:  This is the largest of the southern Australian species of chiton. This chiton can move rapidly when disturbed and will sometimes drop and curl into a ball. Chitons are found very commonly on the local foreshore. These are a type of sea snail with eight parts to the shell, hence often called Eight Part Shells. They look a bit like a slater, with the muscular foot underneath tightly gripping the rocks. This makes picking them up VERY difficult. Chitons use a radula (which is stronger than your average kitchen knife) to scrape encrusting plants and animals off the rocks.

Chiton glaucus - Introduced Chiton (CSIRO, 1996)

Habitat: Sheltered rocky shores; low intertidal Distribution: Southeastern Tasmania and New Zealand Maximum Size: Length to 30 mm Diet: Encrusting plants and animals Comments: Thought to have been introduced from New Zealand in the early Twentieth century. This is now the most conspicuous chiton on intertidal shores in southeastern Tasmania.   Click here to find more introduced species