Story: Coastal shoreline

Chitons (3rd of 3)

Chitons

Chitons are a type of shellfish, easily recognised by the eight plates or valves that partially cover their backs. The snakeskin chiton pictured here is the commonest in New Zealand. It is found on all rocky shores to a depth of about 10 metres, and grows to 4 centimetres in length.

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Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
Photograph by Melanie Lovell-Smith

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How to cite this page:

Maggy Wassilieff, 'Coastal shoreline - The rocky coast – upper shore', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/4815/chitons (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Maggy Wassilieff, published 12 Jun 2006