Capitulum mitella
Capitulum mitella
Capitulum mitella is a stalked barnacle that appears like protruding teeth in crevices low on wave-swept rocky shores throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
Species detail
The stalked barnacle is eaten as a seafood delicacy in Japan and China. Read on to get a flavour of the barnacle’s lifestyle.
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Morphology
Learn about the form and structure of Capitulum mitellum.
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Habitat
This stalked barnacle favours fast flowing water on rocky shores where it feeds off passing zooplankton.
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Reproduction and life history
Find out about this hermaphrodite’s reproductive cycle.
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Behaviour
Capitulum mitella is a suspension feeder of zooplankton. Find out more about the behaviour and feeding patterns of this species.
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Associations
Find out what species Capitulum mitella has associations with and how it benefits from these associations.
Images
Capitulum mitella
The appearance of Capitulum mitella on a rocky shore is reminiscent of protruding teeth.
Capitulum mitella often occur in small clumps, particularly protruding from crevices on otherwise smooth rocky surfaces.
Capitulum mitella
Capitulum mitella
About the author
Prof Phil Rainbow
Head of the Life Sciences Department, focusing on the biology of trace metals in aquatic invertebrates.
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Glossary
Hermaphrodite
An animal that has reproductive organs of both males and females of the species, and can act as ‘male’ or ‘female’ in the reproductive process.
Nauplius
First stage larvae of crustaceans.
Phytoplankton
Tiny water dwelling plants.
Lower eulittoral zone
An area of shoreline that ranges from the high water mark to areas that are permanently submerged.
Sessile
Permanently attached and not free to move.