Barnacle - Balanus balanus

Characteristics:

The carapace of this sessile barnacle is conical. The cone base is circular with an an irregular edge and a diameter of 2-3, sometimes of 5 cm. Radial ridges dominate the carapace surface, which is white or light brown if not covered with growth. The cover plates protecting the lid, are shaped like a birds beak.

Habitat:

It is sometimes very abundant on rocks, stones, shells or any other hard surfaces from the subtidal zone to several hundred meters deep.

Distribution:

B. balanus is distributed over the entire northern hemisphere.