ATTACHMENT MECHANISM OF BARNACLES. FOULING PREVENTION THE STUDY OF THE ADHESION OF CALCAREOUS TYPES ATTACHING MARINE ORGANISMS

The initial attachment of the barnacle is shown to be a purely mechanical hold by the suction cups of the cyprid antennae. An adhesive cement may be secreted for reinforcement but is not essential for permanent attachment. The Balanidae have permanent, periodically functioning glands which are located in the living mantle tissue. These glands develop directly from the cyprid cement glands. The cement glands and the rest of the cementing apparatus of the Balanidae are basically identical with those of the Lepadidae. The cementing apparatus is flushed after each cement secretion. In this way, old ducts are kept open for emergency repair or reattachment. This emergency secretion is expected to be chemically identical to the cyprid and the normally secreted adult cement.