Gooseneck Barnacle (Pollicipes polymerus)

Other Names: Leaf barnacle, goose barnacle

Description: The gooseneck barnacle is a species of stalked barnacle. The stalks—or peduncles—of gooseneck barnacles look sort of like leathery skin and are dark gray-brown in color. On the ends of these stalks are the white protective plates that guard the animal. This armor consists of five main larger plates and multiple smaller ones. On average, this part of the barnacle is a little over 4 centimeters long, while the stalks can reach up to 15 centimeters in length.

Habitat: This species is found in the intertidal zone along the Pacific Coast of North America. They’ll attach to various surfaces, like rocks or even mussels.

Diet: Like other barnacle species, the gooseneck barnacle feeds by extending its feathery feet—which are called cirri—out of its protective plates while underwater to catch plankton. 

Tide Pool Tidbits:

• Gooseneck barnacles get their name because their long stalks and pointy protective plates resemble a goose’s neck and beak.

• Indigenous populations along coastlines have long harvested these edible gooseneck barnacles; apparently, the flesh within the stalk tastes similar to lobster.

• There is currently only one gooseneck barnacle fishery in North America, located on Vancouver Island in Canada, and it’s considered sustainable!

Reference: Central Coast Biodiversity