Family
Common name: Acorn Barnacles
Scientific name: Tetraclitidae
Tetraclitidae, commonly known as acorn barnacles, are a family of sessile crustaceans found in marine environments worldwide. They are characterized by their hard calcareous plates that form a protective shell. Acorn barnacles are filter feeders, using their feather-like cirri to capture plankton from the water. They are a common sight on rocky shores, hulls of ships, and can also attach to aquarium glass or decorations. In the reef aquarium, they can be both an interesting addition and a potential nuisance, as they may overgrow surfaces and compete with corals for space.