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Pacific barnacle
Common name:
Pacific barnacleScientific name:
Balanus glandulaAlternative common names:
Acorn barnacle.
The Pacific barnacle is an acorn barnacle, occurring in the high-mid intertidal zone of rocky coastlines. Here it can be one of the most abundant solitary animals, reaching densities of more than 70 000 individuals per square metre.
Additional Info
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Where does this species come from?
Pacific coast of North America.What is its invasive status in South Africa?
NEMBA Category 3.Where in South Africa is it a problem?
Cape Town in the Western Cape.How does it spread?
Spread via larvae in shipping ballast water or hull-fouling.Why is it a problem?
It invades rocky shores. It out-competes the indigenous African chthamalus species - Chthamalus dentatus - and as a result this species is currently rare on the Atlantic South African shores.What does it look like?
Description: It is a small barnacle, up to 8mm in diameter. The shell is brown-grey in colour and smooth. The operculum (gill cover) is oval. Habitat: Mainly on intertidal rocks, in the open ocean and protected waters. Breeding: Mothers brood eggs, which are released into the water as larvae. These planktonic larvae undergo five moults to become a non-feeding cypris with six pairs of legs. Cyprids attach to a suitable substrate (avoiding potential predators or competitors) and metamorphose into adult form. They reach adult size in about two years.
General News Updates
2019 National Symposium on Biological Invasio…
26-02-2019
This is your invitation to South Africa's 2019 National Symposium on Biological Invasions. The convention is hosted by the Centre for Invasion Biology (CIB), University of Stellenbosch, and the Biolo... Read more
2019 Invasive Species Training
22-01-2019
During the past five years (2014-2018), ISSA invasive species trainers have trained 4 000 in the identification of invasive species and laws pertaining to invasive species across South Africa. ... Read more
Alien Grass Working Group
04-09-2018
Who are we? The South African National Alien Grass Working Group was jointly initiated by the South African Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and the Centre for Excellence in Invasion Biology (C·I·B) in... Read more
Permits for planting indigenous Cynodon?
01-03-2018
On 16 February, 2018, South Africa's Department of Environmental Affairs issued amendments to the regulations and lists relating to the National List of Invasive Species. Updates to the draft&n... Read more
Invasive species training 2018 dates released
28-02-2018
Interested in invasive species? How much do you know about NEMBA invasive species compliance for landowners and organs of state? The South African Green Industries Council (SAGIC) have released... Read more
Communications post for Africa advertised
25-01-2018
The Nature Conservancy has advertised a brand new post: Communications Manager, Africa Region. Knowledge of invasive species and water would be an asset in this post. See details below: Job Titl... Read more
Atlantis Aquifer Invasive Plant Control
The Nature Conservancy Director of Water Funds for South Africa, Louise Stafford, is inviting invasive species teams, mentors and experts to submit proposals for an invasive species clearing project in Atlantis, Western Cape. The…
Xhosa names for invasive plants
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"Enormous progress has been made on removing invasive alien vegetation in the catchment area around Wemmershoek Dam", says Executive Mayor, Patricia de Lille, City of Cape Town. "Invasive alien vegetation around…
Invasive species clearing campaign in Jukskei Park
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo launched National Invasive Species Week initiatives on Thursday 12 October, 2017 in Juweel Park, Jukskei Park, Randburg, Gauteng. National Invasive Species Week is an awareness campaign…
Sign up for Invasive Species Training this November ...
The last two sessions of SAGIC Invasive Species legislation and herbicide applicator’s course in 2017 will take place in November. Are you interested in flora and fauna? How much do you…
