ECOLOGICAL DATA
Distribution: common on rocky, exposed coastal areas
with strong wave action.
Habitat: form tight clumps on exposed rocky shorelines with strong wave action;
occur in rocky gullies in more sheltered locations; associated with California mussel (Mytilus
californianus) and sea star Pisaster ochraceus; planktonic larvae dispersed by
currents; larvae often settle on stalks of adults.
Tidal elevation: mid-intertidal zone, extending higher in gullies where wave
action is concentrated.
Food: filter feeder; feeds on copepods, algae and detritus, and larger
invertebrates such as amphipods; obtains food from wave-wash running off of rocks.
Predators: sea stars and crabs.
GROWTH RATE
Slow; sexual maturity reached after 5 y (approx. 12 mm
capitulum height); may live to 20 yr.
FISHERY
Small fishery exists; stalk or peduncle is used for food.
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REFERENCES
Barnes, H., and E.S. Reese. 1960. The behaviour of the stalked
intertidal barnacle Pollicipes polymerus J.B. Sowerby, with special reference to
its ecology and distribution. J. Anim. Ecol. 29: 169-185.
Bernard, F.R. 1988. Potential fishery for the gooseneck barnacle Pollicipes
polymerus (Sowerby, 1983) in British Columbia. Fish. Res. 6: 287-298.
Carefoot, T. 1977. Pacific seashores: a guide to intertidal ecology. J.J. Douglas
Ltd., Vancouver: 208 p.
Cimberg, R.L. 1981. Variability in brooding activity in the stalked barnacle Pollicipes
polymerus. Biol. Bull. 160: 31-42.
Cornwall, I.E. 1975. The barnacles of British Columbia. B.C. Prov. Mus. Handb. 7:
40-41.
Hoffman, D.L. 1988. Settlement and growth of the pedunculate barnacle, Pollicipes
polymerus Sowerby in an intake seawater system at Scripps Institution of Oceanography,
La Jolla, California. Pac. Sci. 42: 154-159.
Howard, G.K., and H.C. Scott. 1958. Predaceous feeding in two common gooseneck
barnacles. Science 129: 717-718.
Kozloff, E. N. 1983. Seashore life of the northern Pacific coast. Douglas &
McIntyre, Vancouver: 135-136.
Lewis, C.A. 1975. Development of the gooseneck barnacle Pollicipes polymerus
(Cirripedia: Lepadomorpha): fertilization through settlement. Mar. Biol. 32: 141-153.
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