Sessile Barnacles

Sessilia

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Sessilia: //sɛˈsɪliə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

PSM V08 D693 Coronet barnacle by Unknown authorUnknown author. Used under a Public domain license.
Balanus nubilus (3484682809) by Minette Layne from Seattle, Washington. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.
Chthamalus dalli - Allison Gong by Allison Gong. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Coronula diadema (Whale Barnacle; Patitotito) (48739800003) by Auckland Museum Collections from Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Coronula diadema02 by Paul venter. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Anim1032 - Flickr - NOAA Photo Library (mirrored) by Aleria Jensen, NOAA/NMFS/AKFSC. Used under a Public domain license.

Summary

Sessilia represents a group of barnacles that lack a stalk and are adapted for life attached to hard surfaces in marine environments. They are ecologically and economically important as filter feeders and can affect local marine ecosystems and industries.

Physical Characteristics

Usually characterized by a shell composed of multiple calcareous plates, sessile (non-stalked) attachment to substrates, and a round to oval shape.

Identification Tips

Look for their hard calcareous shells and the absence of stalks. They often cluster together on hard surfaces like rocks, ship hulls, and piers.

Habitat

Primarily marine environments, commonly found in intertidal zones and attached to hard substrates.

Distribution

Widely distributed across global oceans, particularly in coastal areas.

Diet

Filter feeders, primarily consuming plankton and detritus captured through their cirri.

Life Cycle

Undergo a complex life cycle with larval stages including nauplii and cyprids before settling as adults.

Reproduction

Species in this order often exhibit external fertilization; some can reproduce asexually.

Predators

Sea stars, whelks, and certain fishes feed on barnacles.

Ecosystem Role

Play a significant role in marine ecosystems as filter feeders, contributing to water quality and serving as habitat for other marine organisms.

Economic Impact

Can affect marine activities and industries, particularly in fouling of vessels and aquaculture installations.

Collecting Methods

  • Manual collection from rocks and substrates
  • Diving for specimens

Preservation Methods

  • Alcohol preservation
  • Drying and mounting for study

Evolution

Considered to be derived from ancestral stalked barnacles, indicating an evolutionary transition in morphology.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Often confused with other types of barnacles, particularly stalked varieties, but distinct in their attachment and morphology.

Tags

  • Barnacles
  • Crustaceans
  • Filter feeders
  • Marine biology