Grey Mail-shell

Overview

The Grey Mail-shell (Lepidochitona cinerea) is a small, oval-shaped marine mollusc widely distributed across European coastal waters. As the most commonly observed chiton in the region, it is frequently found clinging to hard substrates in intertidal and shallow subtidal zones.

Appearance

This species typically reaches up to 24 mm in length and features eight overlapping, arched dorsal plates surrounded by a narrow girdle. Its coloration is highly variable—ranging from grey and brown to green or yellow—often with mottled or banded patterns that provide effective camouflage against rocky surfaces. The valves are finely granulated and possess a distinct low keel with a pronounced beak at the center of each plate.

Biology & Behavior

These chitons are primarily nocturnal or photophobic, often hiding on the undersides of rocks or within crevices during the day to avoid desiccation and direct sunlight. They are well-adapted to exposed shores and can cling tightly to substrates to withstand strong wave action. When disturbed, they are capable of curling into a ball for protection, similar to a woodlouse. They move slowly across rocks using a large, muscular foot and feed by scraping microscopic algae from surfaces with their specialized, tooth-embedded radula.