Mopalia ciliata

The Bristled Chiton

Phylum Mollusca
Class Polyplacophora
Order Ischnochitonida
Family Mopaliidae
Genus Mopalia
Species ciliata

Description: 5 to 8 cm long, 3 to 5 cm wide; color usually green to brown, often with white to yellow tinges on the plates; flattened or oval with a row of 8 broad but short valves on its back; short hairs protrude from the girdle which covers its outer edge.

Habitat: Usually found on the underside of rocks near cracks and crevices. Sometimes found on pilings or floats.

Natural History: It can occasionally be found on the smooth surfaces of pilings or on boats that have been moored for long periods. It feeds upon small and large algaes, and sometimes bryozoans, hydroids and other low growing animals. This chiton was found at Boston Harbor Marina.