The periostracum is not smooth, but frayed or hairy, thus the genus name Barbatia, or bearded.

There is a large gape between the valves along the bottom, ventral, side of the shell through which the byssus anchors the animal to a rocky substrate.

[2] Barbatia reeveana is found on rocky bottoms from the intertidal zone to 100 meters (330 feet) deep.

They reproduce by broadcast spawning, with individuals releasing eggs and sperm into the water to achieve fertilization.

[4][5] In the presence of appropriate chemical cues, a veliger will settle to the bottom, attach itself to a rocky substrate and become a juvenile.