A few people guessed the identity of this animal correctly. But if you need a little more help, the images below show broader views:
This is the Red-striped Barnacle (Paraconcavus pacificus). Branched feeding
appendages (called cirri) extend upward, emerging from between the opercular plates and the gold-rimmed membrane that connects the plates.
Stephanie found this Red-striped Barnacle at Dillon Beach on 1 February 2019. We appreciated hearing about this sighting, as we've been wondering if Paraconcavus would continue to be seen in northern California after the warm-water years of 2014-2016.
This barnacle often grows on sand dollars, so keep your eyes open for it where sand dollars wash ashore. (Interestingly, Stephanie found this barnacle on a large clam shell.)
Here's one more view of this beautiful barnacle:
Many thanks to Stephanie for her observation and helping us document a live Red-striped Barnacle north of San Francisco!
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