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Facts

Bay barnacle



Distribution
Distribution in scandinavian waters

Maximum diametre: 1,7 cm.
Appearance: The chalky shell is white to grey in colour. The opening has a slender oval or diamond form. Barnacles are usually rather flat in form, but like other specie, can grow vertically in height. Compare the bay barnacle with the northern rock barnacle and the rock barnacle.
Depth: The bay barnacle lives from close to the mean sea-level to about 6 m deep; on rare occasions noticably deeper.
Environment: Common on boat hulls, but can also attach itself cliffs, rocks, algae and shells.
Misc: The curved patterns on the bottom basal plates reflect the different directions the barnacle has taken during its growth. It positions itself differently to allow the cirria to position themselves against the water current.
    It is believed that the bay barnacle came to these waters from Australia during the 19th centuary.
    This species tolerates low salt concentrations and where the northern rock barnacle cannot survive, the bay barnacle can build white bands along cliffs and rocks. This group has characteristic larvae.
Classification: The bay barnacle belongs to the cirripedia group, which is a crustacean under the arthropods.


Bay barnacle    Other names


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Bo Johannesson | Martin Larsvik | Lars-Ove Loo | Helena Samuelsson