Balanus nubilus
Species of barnacle / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"Giant barnacle" redirects here. For the species from Argentina, Chile and Peru, see Austromegabalanus psittacus.
Balanus nubilus, commonly called the giant acorn barnacle, is the world's largest barnacle, reaching a diameter of 15 cm (6 in) and a height of up to 30 cm (12 in),[3] and containing the largest known muscle fibres.[4][5]
Quick Facts Balanus nubilus, Scientific classification ...
Balanus nubilus | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Thecostraca |
Subclass: | Cirripedia |
Order: | Balanomorpha |
Family: | Balanidae |
Genus: | Balanus |
Species: | B. nubilus |
Binomial name | |
Balanus nubilus | |
Close
Balanus nubilus is a northeast Pacific species that ranges from southern Alaska to Baja California.[6] It is frequently found growing on rocks, pier pilings and hard-shelled animals at depths of up to 90 m (300 ft).[4] Like other acorn barnacles, B. nubilus is a filter feeder; it, in turn, is sometimes eaten by sea otters,[7] sea stars, crabs[8] and the Native Americans of the Pacific Northwest.[9] Abandoned shells of B. nubilus are used by the crab Glebocarcinus oregonensis for shelter.[10]