Austromegabalanus nigrescens

Systematics: Cirripedia Family Balanidae

Distinguishing Characters:
There are six well-defined side plates on this very large barnacle (up to 6 cm high and 3 cm wide). The plates are often eroded or encrusted. Inside, the plates are blue.

Habitat and Distribution:
This is the largest acorn barnacle in southern Australia, found only on the most exposed rocky coastal headlands, near low water in the surf zone and down to 9 metres depth. The species occurs in all southern states of 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.