About Balanus nubilus Darwin, 1854
Balanus nubilus, commonly known as the giant acorn barnacle, is the largest barnacle species in the world. Individuals can reach 15 cm (6 inches) in diameter and grow up to 30 cm (12 inches) in height, and this species contains the largest known muscle fibers of any organism. This species is native to the northeast Pacific Ocean, with a range that extends from southern Alaska to Baja California. It is most often found growing on rocks, pier pilings, and hard-shelled marine animals, at depths of up to 90 meters (300 feet). Like all other acorn barnacles, B. nubilus is a filter feeder. The species is preyed on or eaten by sea otters, sea stars, crabs, and the Native peoples of the Pacific Northwest. Empty abandoned shells of B. nubilus are used as shelter by the crab Glebocarcinus oregonensis.
