Balanus variegatus

Systematics: Cirripedia Family Balanidae

Distinguishing Characters:
There are six triangular side plates, each separated at the top on this moderately-sized barnacle (up to 2.5 cm high and 2 cm wide). Each plate is whitish with a cross-hatched pattern. The larger pair of the plates which close the toothed aperture have transverse ridges.

Habitat and Distribution:
The species is confined to shores sheltered from waves and in bays and estuaries from low tide mark down. It occurs all along the southern coast.

Feedback and queries should be sent to the Discovery Centre at Museum Victoria.
Please note, the Discovery Centre can help you only with questions about crustaceans from southeastern Australia. It can not advise on the care of pet hermit crabs or on crustaceans from other regions.