Barnacles...

[witecap4u]

I was just at aquatek, and got a snail that has a live barnacle attached to it. I know they cannot live in an aquarium, but how long would you expect it to live? Also, what would help extend its life in my tank?

[MikeP]

I'm no expert I just play one on TV. I'll relate what I do know from my childhood in Massachusets and fooling with many a barnacle.

- They are actually small crustaceans not molluscs

- They are encrusting obviously

- Seem to be only found in areas of strong currents and many species can survive exposed at low tide for many hours.

- Filter feeders , have a feathery type appendage that comes out with each passing wave.

- They hurt like hell when you scrape yourself on em !

If you want more info google would probably be your best bet.

[M.A. Smith]

I had a very large number of these guys on some rock I ordered from Tampa Bay Saltwater. They're just amazing to watch, and a few of them lasted out to around the 12 month mark if I recall correctly. They do have the disadvantage of turning your rock into razorwire if you ever try to move it... Never seemed to expand beyond the initial population.