Barnacles on whales are a type of marine crustacean belonging to the family Coronulidae, commonly known as whale barnacles. These barnacles attach themselves to the skin of baleen whales like humpbacks, gray whales, and others, sometimes also found on toothed whales
. How barnacles live on whales:
- Barnacles start as free-swimming larvae that settle on whales, often in coastal breeding areas where whales gather
- They attach firmly to the whale's skin using a natural cement-like substance, creating tube-shaped cavities that allow secure anchorage without causing significant harm
- As the whale grows, barnacle colonies grow too, forming the crusty white patches seen on whales' heads, flippers, backs, and tails
Relationship between barnacles and whales:
- This interaction is a form of commensalism: barnacles benefit by gaining transportation and access to food particles as the whale moves through plankton-rich waters, while whales are generally unaffected
- Barnacles feed by extending their limbs to catch plankton floating by when the whale feeds
Effects on whales:
- Barnacles can depigment the whale's skin where they attach, leaving distinctive scars when they fall off, which researchers use to identify individual whales
- While barnacles may provide some protection by deterring predators like orcas and even aid whales in mating battles by adding force to strikes, too many barnacles can slow whales down by reducing their streamlined shape
- Whales often try to remove barnacles by rubbing against each other, the sea floor, or natural "spa" spots with sand and rocks
In summary, barnacles on whales are specialized crustaceans that hitch a ride on whales, benefiting from the whale’s movement and feeding activity, while the whales tolerate their presence with some behavioral adaptations to manage their numbers
