Balanus balanoides

Patrik Good This is hopefully an easy one because I see it floating in the water all the time. But I could never find an ID. Also photographed 22/5/2013 before dawn. Size about 3 to 4 cm (1 to 1.5 inches). Thanks for an id(ea).

Blogie Robillo Krill?

Arne Kuilman It's a common barnacle, Semibalanus balanoides. I've seen this behavior quite often. They can release themselves from the sediment to search for a new (less competition?) place to anchor themselves on the substrate.

Patrik Good Thank you both for solving this one with a surprise. It makes sense now actually. Who would have thought that the foe of one of my dive suits could ever show in such an innocent fairy-like form. Will have to read up on barnacles now. I have an unconfirmed theory based on an observation where a branch (Siraius nucleola) attacked the sedimentary form of this guy and was actually deterred by the wild flapping of the filter arms.