Fishes which includes mollusks and nudibranchs, Mammals, General Marine Life, Identification, Research Facilities, and Publications. In such instances, the most readily seen differences are given. Many of the fish pictured in the Gallery also have Biological Profiles that give an overview on the habitat range, spawning and developmental aspects of the fish. Pictures - Listed by scientific names with pictures and origin of their existence.
Most chitons are rather boring, slow moving, algae-eating mollusks about the size of a chicken egg.
The veiled chiton, however, has evolved a clever weapon. It uses a head flap, or veil, like a trap, keeping it propped at a 45-degree angle. The trap flaps down, and the chiton eats the prey with its rasping tongue. The veiled chiton lives under boulders and rock crevices along the Pacific coastline from Alaska to Southern California. A veiled chiton patiently waits for prey to swim into its trap.