All chiton are marine and most occur inter-tidally or in shallow water on rocky shores.
The Gumboot chiton is one of the largest chiton species in the world, reaching a length of 33 cm. The chiton is in the shape of a low, oval mound with six to nine, but generally eight, flat shells which overlap each other from front to back in a similar fashion to shingles. As the animal grows, the edges of the outer shell enlarge. The base or bottom of the chiton is formed entirely of a broad muscular foot. This food provides a vacuum-like suction, allowing the animal to clamp down securely on rocky substrates.