E-Fauna BC: Electronic Atlas of the Wildlife of British Columbia

Balanus rostratus Hoek, 1883
Rostrate Barnacle
Family: Balanidae
Species account author: Ira Cornwall.
Extracted from The Barnacles of British Columbia (1955).
Photo of species

© Aaron Baldwin  Email the photographer   (Photo ID #7885)

E-Fauna BC Static Map
Distribution of Balanus rostratus in British Columbia
Details about map content are available here.

Introduction


Description

Shell large, exceeding 2 inches (56 mm) in diameter and 1½ inches high. The shell is rugged but not regularly ribbed. In shape it is conic and leans toward the carina, the wall of which is nearly vertical. There is very little erosion except at the orifice, the edges of which are usually broken. One of the most distinctive features of this subspecies is the glossy appearance of the narrow radii which retain some of the dark-brown epidermis that has been worn off the remainder of the shell. The parietal tubes have cross-septa from summit to base.

Colour

Usually white but occasionally the shell may be completely covered with brown epidermis. Interior of the cover-plates white.

Distribution

Aleutian Islands, southern coast of Alaska and south to Puget Sound. In British Columbia, specimens have been taken at Seymour Inlet, Wentworth Island, Brotchie Ledge, and William Head (Vancouver Island). From intertidal zone to 1,115 feet (338 metres) in depth.

Notes

Balanus rostratus alaskensis is frequently dredged up in groups, the younger individuals sometimes growing on top of the older ones, which in time become smothered.

Status Information

Origin StatusProvincial StatusBC List
(Red Blue List)
COSEWIC
UnlistedUnlistedUnlistedUnlisted
BC Ministry of Environment: BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer--the authoritative source for conservation information in British Columbia.

Additional Photo Sources

General References


Recommended citation: Author, Date. Page title. In Klinkenberg, Brian. (Editor) 2021. E-Fauna BC: Electronic Atlas of the Fauna of British Columbia [efauna.bc.ca]. Lab for Advanced Spatial Analysis, Department of Geography, University of British Columbia, Vancouver. [Accessed: 2024-11-11 6:49:53 AM]
Disclaimer: The information contained in an E-Fauna BC atlas pages is derived from expert sources as cited (with permission) in each section. This information is scientifically based.  E-Fauna BC also acts as a portal to other sites via deep links.  As always, users should refer to the original sources for complete information.  E-Fauna BC is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the original information.


© E-Fauna BC 2021: An initiative of the Spatial Data Lab, Department of Geography, UBC