Pollicipes pollicipes, also known as the goose neck barnacle or simply goose barnacle, is a type of marine organism belonging to the Pollicipes family. These unique creatures are characterized by their long stalks with a shell at the end, which resembles a bird's beak. Goose barnacles attach themselves to solid surfaces such as rocks, ship hulls, or floating debris using their adhesive stalks.
Goose barnacles are filter feeders, utilizing their multiple feathery legs to capture small particles and plankton from the surrounding water. They are often found in intertidal zones along coastlines, and their presence can be influenced by the ebb and flow of tides.
In some regions, goose barnacles are considered a delicacy and are used in traditional cuisine, especially in countries like Spain and Portugal. Due to their distinctive appearance and ecological significance, goose barnacles are also a subject of interest in marine biology and ecology studies.