Differential identification of three barnacles in the intertidal zone of Kharg island (Persian Gulf) by the scanning electron microscope

Aim of the present study was to identify the barnacles from the inter-tidal areas of Kharg Island by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Sampling was done from five stations in inter-tidal areas of Kharg Island in winter 2015 and spring 2016 (once in each season). The samples were freeze and transferred to laboratory. After morphometric study, the samples were prepared for study by SEM. Three species were identified in this research and their most existence were in high and mid areas of inter-tidal zone. All founded species belonged to superorder Thoracica, order Sessilia, suborder Balanomorpha and families of Tetraclitidae, Balanidae and Chthamalidae. The shell of Amphibalanus amphitrite has six calcareous separate plates with smooth outer surface. The shell of Chthamalus barnesi has six calcareous plates and growth lines were observed. The shell of Tetraclita rufotincta has four calcareous plates without any obvious suture and also radial decorations and growth lines were observed. Evaluation of barnacles by Scanning Electron Microscope could be an appropriate method for more exact identification of barnacles.