Balanus nubilus | |
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Scientific classification
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Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Thecostraca |
Subclass: | Cirripedia |
Order: | Balanomorpha |
Family: | Balanidae |
Genus: | Balanus |
Species: | B. nubilus
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Binomial name | |
Balanus nubilus |
Balanus nubilus, commonly called the giant acorn barnacle, is the world's largest barnacle, reaching a diameter of 15 cm (6 in) and a height of up to 30 cm (12 in), [3] and containing the largest known muscle fibres. [4] [5]
Balanus nubilus is a northeast Pacific species that ranges from southern Alaska to Baja California. [6] It is frequently found growing on rocks, pier pilings and hard-shelled animals at depths of up to 90 m (300 ft). [4] Like other acorn barnacles, B. nubilus is a filter feeder; it, in turn, is sometimes eaten by sea otters, [7] sea stars, crabs [8] and the Native Americans of the Pacific Northwest. [9] Abandoned shells of B. nubilus are used by the crab Glebocarcinus oregonensis for shelter. [10]
Balanus nubilus | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Scientific classification
![]() | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Thecostraca |
Subclass: | Cirripedia |
Order: | Balanomorpha |
Family: | Balanidae |
Genus: | Balanus |
Species: | B. nubilus
|
Binomial name | |
Balanus nubilus |
Balanus nubilus, commonly called the giant acorn barnacle, is the world's largest barnacle, reaching a diameter of 15 cm (6 in) and a height of up to 30 cm (12 in), [3] and containing the largest known muscle fibres. [4] [5]
Balanus nubilus is a northeast Pacific species that ranges from southern Alaska to Baja California. [6] It is frequently found growing on rocks, pier pilings and hard-shelled animals at depths of up to 90 m (300 ft). [4] Like other acorn barnacles, B. nubilus is a filter feeder; it, in turn, is sometimes eaten by sea otters, [7] sea stars, crabs [8] and the Native Americans of the Pacific Northwest. [9] Abandoned shells of B. nubilus are used by the crab Glebocarcinus oregonensis for shelter. [10]