Coronula diadema
This record describes Coronula diadema (species). Recorded family: Coronulidae. Recorded order: Sessilia.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Maxillopoda
- Order
- Sessilia (Sessile Barnacles)
- Family
- Coronulidae
- Genus
- Coronula
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Obligate ectoparasite of Megaptera novaengliae .
Geographic Range
Worldwide marine
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Attaches to host as free-swimming larva; sessile as adult.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Coronula diadema (Linnaeus 1767)
About Sessile Barnacles: the wider group
Order-level background for Sessilia, the group containing Coronula diadema. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Sessilia (acorn barnacles) includes ~500 described species. Barnacles were famously studied by Charles Darwin for 8 years (1846-1854), producing a definitive 4-volume monograph.
Ecological role of the group
Barnacles are filter feeders that provide habitat for other organisms on rocky shores. They are key intertidal species and indicators of sea level changes in paleoclimate research.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Marine biofouling by barnacles costs the global shipping industry an estimated $150 billion annually in increased fuel consumption, hull maintenance, and dry-docking. Barnacle cement is the strongest natural adhesive known - it is being studied for medical and industrial applications.
Recorded sources for this group: Marine biology, shipping industry research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Coronula diadema (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Aaron Hunt