Mossy Chiton

Mopalia muscosa

Mossy Chiton

Mopalia muscosa

At the Aquarium

Rocky Coast

Appearance

This chiton can reach lengths of 4 inches and is named for its wide girdle covered in long, stiff, dark hairs that resemble moss.

Habitat

Tidepools in rocky areas and in estuaries

Diet

Algae, diatoms

Life History

These chitons reproduce by broadcast spawning. Planktonic larvae settle onto rocks or shells with an algal film.

IUCN Status

Not Evaluated

Ecosystem & Cultural Importance

These chitons are important to food webs. By scraping algae off rocks, they open up settling sites for sessile invertebrates. Their predators include fish, crabs, sea stars, and birds such as glaucous-winged gulls and black oystercatchers.
Alaska to Baja California, Mexico
Look for these chitons clinging to rocky surfaces in tidepools.
Mossy chitons move around at night during high tide. Individuals have home ranges and may retreat to a particular space on a rock after moving about.

Citations & Other Resources