Pollicipes polymerus

Pollicipes polymerus, commonly known as a goose barnacle, is a type of barnacle that attaches itself to rocks, ships, and floating debris in the intertidal zone. These barnacles are part of the Lepadidae family and are characterized by a leathery stalk that anchors them.1

While often considered a nuisance for fouling ships and marine structures, increasing drag and weight, they also have culinary importance. In some countries, like Portugal and Spain, related species are considered delicacies. In the eastern Pacific, P. polymerus is sometimes imported as a substitute for local varieties. Barnacles also have a unique cement that adheres strongly, leading to investigations for potential uses like dental cement. Historically, a myth in the British Isles suggested that geese hatched from goose barnacles, leading to their name.2