Chitons are generally classified as herbivorous species, but some species of chitons are omnivorous as well as carnivorous. Their diet contains algae, diatoms, barnacles, and sometimes they also eat bacteria. Some chitons also eat aquatic invertebrates.

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Chitons are found all around the world. They prefer to live in tropical, cool, and temperate waters. They live under rocks and on hard surfaces. They are also found in tide pools.

The species of chitons are bilateral symmetrical mollusks and they range from 3 to 430 mm in body length. Chitons are very flexible, and they contain shells that provide them protection. Their shells consist of eight plates, and there are hundreds of small eyes present on these plates. A chiton can live for 3 years.

Aquatic invertebrates

Some species of chitons are predators and they trap small invertebrates. After trapping and killing them, they eat them. Chitons can eat worms, shrimps, and even small fish. Chitons also eat snails and some aquatic insects. Chitons are also filter feeders, and they clean the ocean water. Some species of chitons can eat mussels and limpets.

A chiton feeds on food by scraping the surface with the help of radula. Radula is a structure with hard chitinous structured teeth and then grabs the food into the mouth. 

Algae and bacteria

A large portion of the chitons diet contains an herbivorous diet. Also, Chitons eat algae, diatoms, barnacles, bryozoans, and sometimes they also eat microorganisms and bacteria. Some chitons also eat seaweed. Chitons can eat phytoplankton. They also eat encrusted food on the rocks where they crawl slowly.

At night, chitons mostly eat barnacles, diatoms, and algae. Chitons possess a homing behavior which means at daylight they move back towards their spot.

What chitons don’t eat

Chitons can’t eat seagulls, crabs, lobsters, and large fishes. Chitons can’t eat some aquatic plants like hydra plants.