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Pollicipes polymerus (Goose barnacle)
Copyright ©
2005 Mary Jo Adams
The
goose barnacle is a common organism along high-energy outer coast
beaches where it is often found with the California mussel ( Mytilus
californiensis ). It has a tough but flexible stalk
or peduncle up to 3-¼ inch tall. Topping the stalk,
the body is jacketed by a patchwork of hard calcareous plates.
This species feeds by extending its cirri into the water and holding
them netlike in order to capture small crustaceans and bits of detritus
from the backwash of the water.
Pollicipes polymerus has also been known as Mitella
polymerus . Other common names for it are the gooseneck
barnacle and the leaf barnacle.
This page was created by Mary Jo Adams on 11/6/05.
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