Hairy Chiton [Mopalia ciliata]
Description
The Hairy Chiton, also known as Mopalia ciliata, is a marine mollusk that resides in the intertidal rocky shores from Alaska to Baja California. It is easily distinguishable by its oval shape and the dense tuft of bristles that are present along the margins of the shell plates. The color of the shell plates varies, but they are often a mottled gray or brown. M. ciliata are nocturnal and hide in crevices during the day. They feed on algae and detritus.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Mollusks
Mollusca
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Chitons
Polyplacophora
|
| Order |
Chitons
Chitonida
|
| Family |
Hairy Chitons
Acanthochitonidae
|
| Genus |
Furry Chitons
Cryptochiton
|