Balanus trigonus

Systematics: Cirripedia Family Balanidae

Distinguishing Characters:
There are six triangular side plates, each separated at the top on this moderately-sized barnacle (up to 1.5 cm high and 2 cm wide). Each plate is pink with vertical ridges. The larger pair of the plates which close the toothed aperture have two rows of pits.

Habitat and Distribution:
The species lives on shores sheltered from waves and in bays but is rare in estuaries. It ranges from low tide mark down to 150 metres deep throughout Australia.

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.