All you need to know about these small, armoured crustaceans that are found along rocky shores
Where are barnacles found?
With a world-wide marine distribution, barnacles are commonly found on hard surfaces like rocks and boats, from intertidal zone to the deep sea. They are also found on marine animals like whales and turtles.
What is the largest barnacle?
The Giant acorn barnacle is 15cm in diameter and 30cm tall.
How do barnacles reproduce?
Barnacles are hermaphrodites i.e they have both male and female reproductive organs Barnacles have the longest penis in the animal kingdom (relative to body size). It can be upto 8 times the length of the animal. This penis can also smell and feel, and they grow new penises each year.
About the contributors
Wenzel Pinto
is a marine biologist at the Nature Conservation Foundation and is currently working on reef dynamics and island vulnerability in the Lakshadweep archipelago.
Diviya Mehra
is a graphic designer. She was the former art director of National Geographic Traveller. Her love for animals, travel and design has shaped her career through the years.
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