Chiton squamosus

Up to 76 mm long, the elegant Chiton squamosus, here visible on both sides, lives in the tidal area of the Caribbean region. Firmly attached to the rocks, up to 3 m of depth, eats algae, bryozoans and diatoms protected by a shield of 8 articulated plates that allow it to adapt to the substratum or roll up into a ball in case of danger. Microscopic tubular cavities of the carapace allow to see light and shadows and, synthesized, give a rudimentary vision. They are mainly predated by crabs, seagulls, starfish, sea anemones and of the fishermen who use them as bait© Giuseppe Mazza