Thatched Barnacles

Description:

These barnacles are white to grayish in color. They are easily identified because along the side of their shell they have ridges that appear to be “thatched” these are actually spines. These barnacles are sometimes difficult to identify because they can grow in column like shapes when there is overcrowding. The main predator of the thatched barnacle is the purple sea star (Pisaster ochraceus).

Habitat:

Found on rocks at Sunrise beach in Puget Sound.