Balanus Balanoides Page

It thrives in the intertidal zone , where it is regularly submerged and exposed by the tide.

The opening at the top is diamond-shaped and protected by four plates that form a "door" to prevent drying out (desiccation) during low tide. balanus balanoides

It is famous in ecological studies for its competition with the barnacle Chthamalus stellatus . While Balanus can outgrow and smother Chthamalus in lower, wetter areas, it cannot survive as high up the shore as Chthamalus due to a lower tolerance for drying out. It thrives in the intertidal zone , where