Amphibalanus amphitrite
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Crustacea
- Class: Maxillopoda
- Subclass: Thecostraca
- Order: Sessilia
- Family: Balanidae
- Genus: Amphibalanus
- Species: amphitrite
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Amphibalanus amphitrite: /æm.fɪˈbæ.lə.nəs æm.fɪˈtraɪti/
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Summary
Amphibalanus amphitrite is a widely distributed species of barnacle recognized for its calcareous shell and sessile lifestyle. It plays an important role in marine ecosystems and has economic implications concerning biofouling.
Physical Characteristics
Amphibalanus amphitrite, commonly known as the acorn barnacle, possesses a calcareous shell made up of several plates that are typically conical or dome-shaped. The barnacles are sessile and can vary in color from white to yellowish or reddish, depending on their environment and the presence of algae on their shell.
Identification Tips
Look for a conical shell with multiple overlapping plates. The barnacle often has a distinctive opening at the top (or operculum) that can be closed when the barnacle is not feeding or is exposed to air.
Habitat
Commonly found in marine environments, particularly in intertidal zones, rocky shores, and on surfaces such as ships, docks, and other hard substrates.
Distribution
Amphibalanus amphitrite has a global distribution, primarily in warm-temperate to tropical regions, but can also be found in colder waters.
Diet
As a filter feeder, Amphibalanus amphitrite feeds on plankton and microscopic organisms suspended in the water, utilizing its feathery appendages (cirri) to capture food particles.
Life Cycle
The life cycle includes a free-swimming larval stage (cyprid) that settles onto a surface and metamorphoses into an adult, becoming sessile.
Reproduction
Reproduction occurs via external fertilization, and barnacles can reproduce both sexually and asexually. They have a planktonic larval stage that disperses before settling.
Predators
Common predators include sea stars, mollusks, and fish, which may prey on barnacles by breaking apart their shells or consuming them directly.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated; however, it is considered a common species in its range and is not currently threatened.
Ecosystem Role
As a suspension feeder, it plays a significant role in the marine food web by helping to filter the water and providing habitat for other marine organisms.
Economic Impact
May unintentionally impact ship hulls and fishing gear; barnacle buildup can increase drag and fuel costs in shipping.
Collecting Methods
- Diving
- Wet scraping of substrates
- Using nets to catch newly settled larvae
Preservation Methods
- Alcohol preservation
- Drying
Evolution
Part of the Balanidae family, wooden barnacles evolved to become highly successful in the marine environment, adapting to various substrates and marine conditions.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Often mistaken for other types of barnacles; some may confuse them for mollusks due to their external shell structure.
Tags
- barnacle
- marine biology
- sessile
- filter feeder