Unlike most crustaceans, many barnacle species permanently fix themselves to solid objects like rocks and wharf piles and remain inside a shell for their adult life. They are filter feeders, using the fine bristles on their legs. These ones survive for some hours out of water each day when the tide goes out. They seal off the top of their shell with moveable plates and retain enough moisture to protect themselves until the tide comes in again.
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Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
by Melanie Lovell-Smith
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