Onithochiton literatus, the black chiton, is a medium to large-sized polyplacophoran mollusc in the family Chitonidae,[1] found on the east coast of Africa.

The species is usually brownish black, with valves incised with radiating wavy lines; these may be heavily eroded in older specimens.

The broad and velvety girdle is brown to black and bears tiny embedded spicules.

[2] Onithochiton literatus occurs along the east coast of Africa, from the Cape of Good Hope to at least as far north as Somalia and possibly into the Red Sea.

[2] In KwaZulu-Natal, the species is a common component of traditional medicines, and may also be collected as a food item in rural areas.