Taxonomic classification of chthamalid barnacles has proven challenging because of the preferred environment, resulting in convergence of shell and opercular form.

As this requires time and specialized equipment, effort is made in this project to aid identification for field and biodiversity surveyors.

DNA sequence data and allozyme analyses have proved promising in uncovering cryptic species populations.

[6][7] This is a list of recognized genera in the family Chthamalidae, according to the classification in Chan et al. (2021) and the World Register of Marine Species.

They prefer intertidal marine habitats, from lower littoral to upper surf zone, uncommonly sublittoral.