acorn barnacle; barnacle
Common marine crustacean that attaches to rocks, ship hulls, and other hard surfaces. Often seen in tidal zones.
Many barnacles were attached to the rocky shore.
Barnacles were densely attached to the bottom of the ship.
Katakana spelling is standard for this organism; usually written in kana.
Alternate ateji kanji spelling; rarely used in modern writing.
Hiragana spelling, also common.
Ateji kanji spelling; rarely used in modern writing.
The name likely derives from the resemblance of the barnacle's shell to Mount Fuji (富士) and a small pot or jar (壺). The exact origin is uncertain.