Balanus Balanoides Site

It is famous in ecological studies for its competition with the barnacle Chthamalus stellatus . While Balanus can outgrow and smother Chthamalus in lower, wetter areas, it cannot survive as high up the shore as Chthamalus due to a lower tolerance for drying out.

It uses long, feathery appendages called cirri to filter plankton from the water. Habitat and Ecology balanus balanoides

The opening at the top is diamond-shaped and protected by four plates that form a "door" to prevent drying out (desiccation) during low tide. It is famous in ecological studies for its

Balanus balanoides , now more commonly known by its accepted scientific name , is a widespread species of sessile acorn barnacle. It is a dominant member of the rocky intertidal zones in the North Atlantic and North Pacific. Physical Characteristics Habitat and Ecology The opening at the top

Common threats include whelks (sea snails) and starfish. Life Cycle and Reproduction

It thrives in the intertidal zone , where it is regularly submerged and exposed by the tide.