Phylum Mollusk - Shells, Chitons, Squids & Octopus

The mollusks are a very large and diverse group which includes such familiar forms as snails, clams, oysters, chitons, squids and octopuses. Snails and bivalves are found in all nearshore environments and, being the object of many a collector's affection, are among the best known marine invertebrates. Chitons live on hard substrates such as oyster shells. Squids and octopuses are best known to shrimp fishermen, in whose trawls they are freqently caught.