Some rocky intertidal organisms cover themselves with shells, shell fragments and gravel to protect against biotic and abiotic stressors (Peura et. al 2013, Dumont et. al 2007, Hart and Crowe 1977). What are the mechanisms that underlie this covering behavior? How do these fragments attach to the bodies of intertidal invertebrates that exhibit this behavior? Results of preliminary studies calculating attachment tenacities from fragment area and detachment forces for Anthopleura sola found in the rocky shores of the Hopkins Marine Station are presented in this paper as a first step towards investigating suction as one of two potential mechanisms underlying covering behavior in A. sola. Average tenacity measured in the field was lower than atmospheric pressure, as consistent with suction. Attachment tenacities measured in muscle-relaxed A. sola in the lab were above zero Pa and thus, inconsistent with a suction mechanism. Studies were proposed to further investigate the feasibility of suction as the attachment mechanism and to explore A. sola mucus as an adhesive secretion for fragment attachment.