chiton Callochiton steinenii

Callochiton steinenii has been collected in a few locations in Antarctica and on South Georgia Island from 24 to 1,012 meters depth [1,2,3]. Specimens of C. steinenii range in length up to 26 millimeters [1,2].

On their upper surface, chitons have eight overlapping plates surrounded by a tough girdle. Chitons use their large foot for movement and clinging; there is a groove containing gills on either side of the foot. Chitons have a file-like radula mouthpart which is used to scrape algae and other food from surfaces.

1: Monograph of Living Chitons. Volume 2. P Kaas & RA Van Belle. Leiden: EJ Brill, 1985+; 2: Archiv fur Molluskenkunde 122:171-187, 1993; 3: Discovery Reports. Volume 33. Issued by the National Institute of Oceanography. Cambridge : University Press, 1966. pp.95-250 (also see C. gaussi description)

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