sideshells

Sideshells are a type of mollusk characterized by their distinctive shell structure. Unlike bivalves which possess two symmetrical valves, or gastropods with a single coiled shell, sideshells typically have a shell composed of multiple, often irregular plates or segments. These plates are generally articulated or loosely connected, allowing for a degree of flexibility in the shell. This unique morphology provides advantages in their specific ecological niches.

The precise classification of animals referred to as "sideshells" can vary depending on the taxonomic system used, as the term itself is not a formal scientific grouping but rather a descriptive one. However, it is most commonly associated with certain groups of chitons. Chitons are marine mollusks belonging to the class Polyplacophora. Their shells are segmented into eight overlapping plates, which are embedded in a tough, leathery girdle that surrounds the animal. This segmented shell allows chitons to curl into a ball when threatened, protecting their soft undersides.

The lifestyle of animals commonly described as sideshells is often sedentary. They are typically found clinging to hard substrates in marine environments, such as rocks, coral, or ship hulls. Their diet usually consists of algae or other microscopic organisms that they scrape from surfaces using a radula. The segmented nature of their shell offers protection from predators and the physical stresses of wave action. Reproduction in these mollusks often involves external fertilization, with gametes released into the water.