Barnacles are arthropods of the subclass Cirripedia in the subphylum Crustacea. They are related to crabs and lobsters, with similar nauplius larvae. Barnacles are exclusively marine invertebrates; many species live in shallow and tidal waters. Some 2,100 species have been described.

Apr 4, 2021 · Barnacles are a highly specialized group of crustaceans. They have developed a sessile lifestyle as adults, attaching themselves to various substrates such as rocks, ships, whales or to sea turtles. Most commonly found barnacles on sea turtles belong to the genus Chelonibia, named after their host (Chelonia = turtle).

Barnacles secrete hard calcium plates that completely encase them. A white cone made up of six calcium plates forms a circle around the crustacean. Four more plates form a "door" that the barnacle can open or close, depending on the tide.

Barnacles are small crustaceans that attach themselves very firmly to marine objects such as rocks, boats, and other animals (e.g. crabs, whales, turtles). There are about 1,220 species of barnacles. The most common type is known as an “acorn barnacle,” which has no stalk; however, some other shelled barnacles attach themselves with a stalk.

May 27, 2024 · Barnacles are members of the marine invertebrate class Maxillopoda. There are more than 14,000 species of barnacles, with the most common being the acorn barnacle. However, many species have the common name of acorn barnacle.

Feb 1, 2025 · Barnacle, any of more than 1,000 predominantly marine crustaceans of the subclass Cirripedia highly modified for sedentary life. There are about 850 free-living species (all marine) and about 260 species that are internal parasites of crabs and other crustaceans.

Aug 6, 2023 · Barnacles belong to the taxonomic class Maxillopoda and are classified within the larger group of crustaceans. They are marine arthropods that predominantly settle and attach themselves to hard surfaces such as rocks, ships, and even the shells of other marine animals.

Barnacles are a fascinating group of crustaceans distinctly adapted to life in marine environments. Unlike their mobile relatives like crabs and lobsters, barnacles are sessile, meaning they permanently attach themselves to a variety of surfaces.

Nov 30, 2024 · Barnacles are filter-feeders that extend their cirri out of the shell and beat them rhythmically to lap onto food particles from the water column. Since they primarily feed on zooplankton, which float to the surface in the dark, barnacles are more active at …

Barnacles are crustaceans that attach themselves to hard surfaces and play a vital role in ocean ecosystems as filter feeders. Cirripedia is the subclass for Barnacles, a type of invertebrate arthropod.