ARTHROPOD
Semibalanus balanoides
Classification
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Biology
When the tide rises. The plates covering the aperture open, and also the thoracic appendages known as "cirri" are extended into the water current and used to filter particles of food from the water. This mainly happens through the warm weather but, when winter comes the Acorn Barnacles do not pop out and feed on food particles. They have to rely on their food storage. The Barnacle is a hermaphrodite individuals. They have one single breeding season in Autumn. Functional males extend a penis larger then there body and reach out to a near by functional female. After fertilization the embryos are stored in the barnacles body until it develops into a 'naupilus' larvae. They release into the water from February to May, they live in the water columns and feed on plankton for several of weeks. They will undergo six different moults, before developing into the second larva called a 'cyprid' larvae. This stage is made for them to find a settling place. They search for a place to settle using their antennae, once a suitable site is found they release a substance that attaches them to a rock |