[2][3] It inhabits the littoral and intertidal zones of rocky shores and normally grows up to 30 centimetres (12 in) tall with a mineralized shell composed of calcite.

Austromegabalanus psittacus is a large sessile barnacle that lives in groups on hard substrates.

It has a tall cone-shaped carapace composed of twelve large plates made of calcite microcrystals which are cemented together.

Under these circumstances the calcareous base becomes modified into a more porous, cylindrical form above which the carapaces tower, the central individuals being about twice as tall as the outside ones.

[8] It is most common in the Los Lagos area in Chile and is harvested for human consumption, mainly in the towns of Calbuco, Carelmapu and Puerto Montt.

This is traditionally made from various seafood ingredients cooked in a large pit preheated with red-hot stones.