Mopaliidae

Family: Mopaliidae

Group: Marine Invertebrate, Species

Scientific Name	Common Name	Summary
Cryptochiton stelleri	Gumboot chiton	This gigantic, edible chiton looks somewhat like a piece of thick, tanned mammalian skin. Its plates are entirely covered, but can be felt through the girdle. It is generally found in the lower intertidal areas of mid- to high-energy rock piles.
Katharina tunicata	Black Katy chiton	This chiton is common on intertidal rocks, especially in the crevices of high-energy areas, from which it is very difficult to extricate. It is generally not found on smooth rocks. Often, its plates are also black and the entire chiton is difficult to detect. It is known as a mostly indigenous food source, but not widely eaten.
Mopalia hindsii	Hind's Mopalia	This chiton is identified by the wide, hairy girdle, the noticeable posterior notch, the often dull dorsal plates, and the cross-hatched "basket weave" pattern of the plates. This is a common intertidal species, which is often obvious due to its rather large size, up to four inches in length.
Mopalia lignosa	Woody chiton	This common intertidal chiton can be identified by the hairs originating from lighter spots on the girdle, by the feather-like dark patterns on the plates which are typically dark green, and the rows of longitudinal pits on the central areas of the dorsal plates.