Oxynaspis gracilis
| Oxynaspis gracilis | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Thecostraca |
| Subclass: | Cirripedia |
| Order: | Scalpellomorpha |
| Family: | Poecilasmatidae |
| Genus: | Oxynaspis |
| Species: | O. gracilis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Oxynaspis gracilis | |
Oxynaspis gracilis is a species of goose barnacle in the family Oxynaspididae, commonly known as the black coral barnacle[2] because it is normally found attached to black coral. The type specimen was found in Réunion in the East Indies.[1]
Description
Oxynaspis gracilis is a small stalked barnacle some 2 to 5 mm (0.1 to 0.2 in) in length. The coenosarc (living tissue) of the host coral sometimes grows over the surface of the barnacle.[2] The scutum and carina are separate and the square base of the scutum has the umbo in the middle and set close to the occluded edge.[3]
Ecology
Observations of a number of these barnacles growing on the black coral Antipathes atlantica and all orienting themselves in one direction against the water current, with their cirri forming a cup-like shape, indicate that the barnacles were actively engaged in intercepting and feeding on plankton.[4] The living tissue of black corals such as Plumapathes pennacea may grow over the surface of this barnacle.[2]
Black corals are mostly deep water animals; specimens (including fan-shaped and bottlebrush-shaped species) from the Gulf of Mexico, collected and recorded with
References
- ^ .
- ^ PMID 25561830.
- ^ Barnacles (Cirripedia, Thoracica) of seas off Réunion Island. Foster, Brian A.; Buckeridge, John S.
- ISBN 978-90-6191-628-4.