This is a bit magnified, but chitons aren't eeeew-y at all-- they stay in pretty much one place on the rocks. They are mollusks, like clams or limpets, very common, supposedly quite edible, but i've never tried one!
I have small versions of that one (about 5 mm long) in my reef tank at home. They hardly move, have a very hard exterior & are harmless. Pretty much naturally occuring in any ocean. Not exactly sure what they eat though, but my guess is the coraline algae.
Ah, thanks! Chitons. Interesting to read about them. I guess the black and white feathery parts around the segments are the gills then.
I think it's beautiful.
These were about four or five inches long, and firmly attached to old coral in the tide pool areas of Hawksnest.
There is even Chiton Poop in the picture. I have a picture of a sea cucumber next to a big old pile, and a peeing donkey. It just happens accidentally.
usvi-on-line
Ha,Ha,Ha, I'm sorry it's Friday yah know! Parafins 