Intertidal Invertebrates of the Monterey Bay Area, California

Compiled & photographed by Gary McDonald, Long Marine Laboratory, University of California, Santa Cruz
Balanus glandula Darwin, 1854
Acorn Barnacle
Arthropoda: Crustacea: Maxillopoda: Thecostraca: Cirripedia: Thoracica: Sessilia: Balanomorpha: Balanoidea: Balanidae
Geographic Range: Aleutian Islands, AK to Bahia de San Quintin, Baja California, Mexico; Argentina;Japan Synonyms:
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Balanus_glandula_0001.jpg
Carmel Pt., Monterey Co., CA; 16 Feb 2008.

Description: Shell white to greyish-white, variable in shape & texture (may be smooth or ribbed). Rostrum overlaps adjacent plates. Scutum not prolonged into beak. The inner surface of the terga & scuta is black and the junction between them is sinuous.

Size: Typically 10-15mm in diameter, up to 22mm in diameter.

Notes: Common in the high and mid intertidal. May grow tall and elongate if crowded.
Balanus_glandula_0002.jpg
Davenport Landing, Santa Cruz Co., CA; 24 Mar 2010; individuals 2-6mm in diameter.		 Balanus_glandula_0003.jpg
Davenport Landing, Santa Cruz Co., CA; 24 Mar 2010.

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