Gooseneck Barnacle
NameGooseneck Barnacle
Scientific NameLepas anatifera
Common NameGooseneck Barnacle
FamilyLepadidae
GenusLepas
Speciesanatifera
Geographic DistributionCosmopolitan in temperate and tropical oceans worldwide.
Average Size (mm)Capitulum typically 30-50 mm in length; the fleshy stalk can extend up to 300 mm.
Identifying FeaturesStalked barnacle with a distinctive capitulum composed of five smooth, triangular calcareous plates. Often found in large clusters attached to floating debris. The image shows the internal organization of these plates and the soft body.
Dietfilter-feeder
Raritycommon
Author CitationLinnaeus, 1758
Description
A sessile crustacean, not a mollusk, commonly known as a gooseneck barnacle. The image displays the internal structure of the capitulum, which is protected by several calcareous plates. These organisms are filter feeders found attached to floating objects in marine environments.
