The Barnacle – Tetraclita rufotincta is a species of barnacle belonging to the family Tetraclitidae. This particular barnacle is a common sight in intertidal and shallow subtidal zones, often found attached to rocky shores and other hard surfaces.
Description & Characteristics
The Tetraclita rufotincta is a relatively small barnacle, reaching a maximum size of approximately 2 cm in diameter. Its shell, or carapace, is typically a grayish-white to brownish color, often displaying a rough, textured surface. The barnacle’s body is enclosed within the shell, with a series of plates that move to allow the barnacle to extend its feeding appendages.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Tetraclita rufotincta is a coastal species, found in the intertidal and shallow subtidal zones of the ocean. Its distribution is primarily limited to rocky shores and other hard surfaces, where it attaches itself securely using a strong, adhesive cement. This barnacle is particularly common in the temperate and tropical regions of the world, where it thrives in the neritic zone, the marine zone extending from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
The species Tetraclita rufotincta belongs to the Class: Thecostraca, Order: Balanomorpha, and Family: Tetraclitidae. This classification places it among the group of crustaceans known for their sedentary, often attached lifestyles, and their distinctive shell structures.
Feeding
The Tetraclita rufotincta is a filter feeder, relying on the currents to bring in its food source. It primarily feeds on small organisms like copepods and plankton, trapping them using its specialized feeding appendages.
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