Epopella simplex

Epopella simplex
Epopella simplex, Tasmania, Australia
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Thecostraca
Subclass:	Cirripedia
Order:	Balanomorpha
Family:	Tetraclitidae
Genus:	Epopella
Species:	E. simplex
Binomial name
Epopella simplex (Darwin, 1854)

Epopella simplex is a species of barnacle in the family Tetraclitidae native to southern Australia.

Distribution and habitat

E. simplex is native to southern Australia, from New South Wales in the east to Western Australia in the west and south to Tasmania. It inhabits exposed rocky shores in the low intertidal zone, growing in sheltered areas at depths of up to 9 m (30 ft). It sometimes grows attached to other barnacle species but is not known to grow as a fouling species that attaches to man-made objects such as boat hulls.[1][2]

Description

E. simplex is a conical barnacle growing up to 20 mm (0.79 in) wide and 12 mm (0.47 in) tall with four ribbed outer shell plates and a pentagonal opening. Mature individuals are pink, but the outer plates of younger animals are grey-white with pink tips.[1][2]

References

1. Poore, Gary C. B.; Syme, Anna (2009). Barnacles. Museums Victoria. p. 34. ISBN 9780980381351.
2. Patullo, Blair; Taylor, Joanne (2023). "Epopella simplex (Darwin, 1854), Simple Volcano Barnacle". Museums Victoria Collections. Museums Victoria. Archived from the original on 4 July 2024. Retrieved 4 July 2024.