Distinguishing Characteristics |
Shell conical, made of 6 triangular plates (parietes) fused together with walls (radii) between plates; walls (radii) narrow with oblique outer edge; plates with irregularly spaced vertical dark, reddish purple or brown stripes; horizontal striations give the plates a reticulated pattern; base plate is calcareous, usually stays on hard substrate when barnacle is removed; aperture is almost diamond-shaped except flat or rounded at 1 end; internal plate (tergum) with spur (rounded extension) longer than wide. |
Similar Species |
There are several purplish stripe barnacles in our area. Similar to the striped barnacle B. amphitrite but the striped barnacle has no reticulated pattern. Also, the striped barnacle has a short tergal spur (about as wide or wider than long). |
Habitat |
Gulf, attaches to platforms and other hard surfaces |
Maximum Size |
1.5 cm (3/5 in) |
Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
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