BARNACLE |
BALANUS PERFORATUS |
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| Fig 1 |
DESCRIPTION: Reaching up to 3cm in diameter and 3cm in height this uncommon barnacle is best recognised by its purplish hues and the 6 vertically ridged plates that sometimes separate at the apex and leave a jagged lip. The inner tissue is marked with bright shades of pink, purple and blue. DISTRIBUTION: A southern species seen primarily in Devon and Cornwall but has also spread more eastwards. It is so far absent from Ireland and Scotland. HABITAT: Mid-shore areas to sub-littoral zones. On rocks and artificial structures such as ship’s hills and is sometimes common in wave exposed situations.
TIME TO SEE: All year round. |