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In this article we will discuss about the structure of Goose Barnacle (Lepas) with the help of a diagram.
1. It is commonly known as “goose barnacle” and are marine crustaceans found attached to floating wood pieces, boats and ships.
2. Body comprises of capitulum and a small stalk or pedicel.
3. ‘The capitulum is enclosed in a bivalved carapace, which surrounds a mantle and is made up of 5 calcareous pieces i.e., a pair of proximal scuta, a pair of distal terga and a single unpaired dorsal carina. In this way each valve is made up of a scutum and a tergum.
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4. The stalk (pedicel) is slightly ‘S’-shaped and very much wrinkled and bears a pair of curved minute vestigial antennules which possess cement glands for attachment.
5. Compound or median eyes & antennae are absent.
6. The cephalic appendages are represented by a pair of mandibles and two pairs of maxillae which are located inside mouth. Thorax has 6 pairs of cirri-like appendages.
