Mopalia muscosa (Gould, 1846)
Mossy chiton
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Family:  Mopaliidae ()
Max. size:  8.9 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthic; marine; depth range 0 - 5 m
Distribution:  Eastern Pacific: Alaska, Canada and Mexico.
Diagnosis:  Girdle: Medium wide which is sandy and profusely covered with stiff bristles. Mucro: Highly posterior; depressed. Central areas: Longitudinally ribbed with sharp nodulose ribs transversed with subtle wide obsolete ribs forming a basket weave. Lateral areas: Heavily beaded rib. Inside area: Covered with oval shaped granulations. Color of the valves: Grays to black; rarely, a specimen with blue or orange valves may be found. Color of the girdle: Cream with brownish red bristles (Ref. 296).
Biology:  Habitat: On rocks, especially in areas of low to moderate surf; found in estuaries (Ref. 315). Depth Range: 0 to 5 m (Ref. 290); middle to low intertidal zones from Alaska to Mexico (Ref. 312). Occurs at the mid tide mark.
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. 123251)
Threat to humans: 
Country info:   
 

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