Triangle Barnacle

Balanus trigonus, the triangle barnacle, is a species of barnacle in the family Balanidae. They are steep-sided, conical creatures, have six shell plates and are dark pink in colour. Originally found only in the Indo-Pacific and along the eastern Pacific coast, they were likely introduced to the Atlantic Ocean in the 19th century through human activity and now has a global distribution. Usually living on subtidal rocks and shells, they are also foulers of ships and dock infrastructure, and, in areas where they are invasive, may compete with native species for living room. The species was first described in the genus Balanus by Charles Darwin.

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Is it venomous or poisonous?

We have no record of Triangle Barnacle being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.

Easily confused with

• Amphibalanus reticulatus
• Megabalanus coccopoma
• Perforatus perforatus
• Amphibalanus amphitrite
• Menesiniella regalis
• Megabalanus tintinnabulum

Classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Arthropoda

Class

Hexanauplia

Order

Balanomorpha

Family

Balanidae

Genus

Balanus

Species

Balanus trigonus

More species