Austrobalanus imperator

Systematics:Cirripedia Family Tetraclitidae

Distinguishing Characters:
There are six well-defined side plates on this large barnacle (2.5 cm high and 3 cm wide). Each plate is vertically ridged but often eroded or encrusted. Inside, the plates are purple.

Habitat and Distribution:
The species is found on sheltered shores in New South Wales and Queensland, and sometimes in estuaries, always near low water level.

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.