How do barnacles reproduce?
Barnacles spawn in mid- to late spring in the Bay region. • Each barnacle has both male and female organs, but its eggs must be cross-fertilized by another barnacle. A sperm tube extends from one barnacle into a neighboring barnacle to fertilize its eggs. • Fertilized eggs remain inside the barnacle until they hatch. Tiny larvae are then released into the water. • Larvae go through two stages that last a few days each. The second-stage larvae search for a suitable place to attach, usually among adult barnacles of the same species. • Larvae attach themselves with a cement-like substance secreted from special glands. They soon develop shell plates that eventually cover their body. Other facts about barnacles: • Though barnacles look like empty mollusk shells, they are actually crustaceans like crabs and shrimp. • Barnacle larvae are an important food source for young fish in the spring. Though millions of larvae might be released into the water, relatively few will settle and develop int
