Mopalia hindsii

Mopalia hindsii is a species of medium sized chiton that grows up to 7 cm long. Most commonly found in intertidal zones, M. hindsii enjoys protected areas and has a white ventral side unlike most intertidal chitons that are orange underneath.

Range

Mopalia hindsii have been observed from South California all the way North to Alaska.

Habitat

Mopalia hindsii are most common in protected environments like shallow bays, underneath rocks and on shaded pilings.

Diet

While most chitons are herbivores, M. hindsii will graze on just about anything in its path that doesn’t escape including polychaetes, amphipods, barnacles, sponges and algae. This uncommon lifestyle most likely explains why M. hindsii are able to survive in areas too silty for other chitons

References

• Kozloff, Eugene N. Marine Invertebrates of the Pacific Northwest. Seattle, WA: University of Washington Press, 1996.
• Lamb, Andy, and Hanby, Bernard P. Marine Life of the Pacific Northwest. Madeira Park, BC: Harbour Publishing, 2005.
• Kozloff, Eugene N. Seashore Life of the Northern Pacific Coast. Seattle, WA: University of Washington Press, 1973.