Beberapa catatan tentang marga Balanus (Cirripedia)

SOME NOTES ON THE GENUS BALANUS (CIRRIPEDlA). Balanus is a marine invertebrate. It has two stadia in its life history i.e.: as larva its passes a pelagic life and as adult it passes a sedentary or sessile life. The body of this animal is protected by shell in the form of a calcified mantle. The terga and scuta are situated at the upper part of the mantle which will be opened at moment the cirri spread out to catch prey. Balanus reproduces hermaphroditically. Fertilization and brooding occurs inside the body. The nauplius larva released develops into cypris larva and the latter will attach to a substrate by mean of secretion produced by the cement gland. The development into adult stage is indicated by the formation of complete shell which is permanently fixed. The attached shells foul the substrate.Light is one of the important factors beside current and waves in the process of attachment.The permanently submerged objects along the coast, river mouths or bay are favourable for Balanus. Fouling can cause a great lost to shipping as well as construction in the area.