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Chiton olivaceus
Chiton olivaceus, the green chiton, is a species of chiton, a marine polyplacophoran mollusk in the family Chitonidae, the typical chitons.[1][2] DescriptionChiton olivaceus can reach a length of 32–40 millimetres (1.3–1.6 in) and a width of about 16 millimetres (0.63 in). These large chitons have carinate plates with strong ribs. The shell is oblong and oval. In the front and rear plates ribs have a radial pattern. The intermediate valves show a sharp beak and rounded sutural plates. Colors are very variable, ranging from olive-gray (hence the common name) to yellow-brown, sometimes black, orange, red or yellow. The girdle surrounding all of the valves is quite large and covered by bristles and scales.[3][4][5] The teeth of these grazers of algae[6] are composed of magnetite,[citation needed] the hardest material usable by a living being. DistributionThis species is common in the Mediterranean sea around Italy and Greece, but can also to be found in the nearby Atlantic Ocean.[7] HabitatChiton olivaceus occur on a solid substrate, particularly stones and rocks, in the zones of sweeping of the waves, at a low depth.[3] References
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