The Barnacles of Fiji, with Observations on the Ecology of Barnacles on Tropical Shores

Abstract

Twenty species of barnacles are now known from Fiji as a result of recent collecting. The barnacle fauna has Malaysian affinities, but there are no endemic species. Brief descriptions and notes on habitats are given. The effects of erosion on the shell are described for the common intertidal species. The distribution patterns of the common intertidal species, except for those of the coral-boring barnacles, are described; and from these the influence of environmental factors on barnacle distribution is inferred. By determining upper lethal temperatures, recording a few environmental temperatures, and comparing these with similar information on temperate barnacles and shores, I have concluded that high temperatures could be a deterrent to the existence of large numbers of barnacles on sun-exposed surfaces of tropical shores. In shaded conditions barnacles can, however, occupy most of the available surface.