What is life cycle of a barnacle?

Barnacles have a unique life cycle and undergo a series of metamorphoses.

1. Eggs: Barnacles start as eggs, which are fertilized internally and then released into the water.

2. Nauplius: The larvae that hatches from the eggs is called a nauplius. It is small and has three pairs of legs and a single eye.

3. Cyprid: After several molts, the nauplius transforms into a cyprid. The cyprid has six pairs of legs and is capable of settling and attaching to a surface.

4. Settlement: The cyprid undergoes metamorphosis and settles on a surface where it undergoes rapid growth and development.

5. Adult: The cyprid metamorphoses into an adult barnacle. The adult barnacle has a hard, calcareous shell and is stationary.

6. Reproduction: Barnacles reproduce sexually, and fertilization occurs internally. The eggs are then released into the water to begin the cycle again.

The entire life cycle of a barnacle can take anywhere from a few weeks to a year, depending on the species and environmental conditions.