In a fascinating symbiosis, tiny crustaceans known as barnacles have formed a complex relationship with whales, providing valuable insights into the life and migration patterns of these majestic creatures.
These tiny crustaceans attach themselves to whales in a complex process that involves larvae, settlement, and shell formation. The young ‘barnacles settle on ideal sites such as the flippers, tail, and head of the whale’s body.’ They form shells with wall plates that anchor into the whale’s skin.
Whales are marine mammals that belong to the order Cetacea.
They have a streamlined body, a dorsal fin, and a blowhole on top of their head.
There are two main types of whales: toothed whales (Odontoceti) and baleen whales (Mysticeti).
Toothed whales include orcas and sperm whales, while baleen whales include blue whales and humpback whales.
Whales can grow up to 33 meters in length and live for over 80 years.
Do Barnacles Live on Whales?
Yes, whale barnacles specialize in attaching only to cetacean hosts, specifically right whales. They are different from acorn barnacles or turtle barnacles, which prefer rocks, sea turtles, fish, or other whales.
Whale barnacles are crustaceans that attach themselves to the bodies of whales, feeding on their skin and mucus.
There are over 65 species of whale barnacles, with the largest being up to 1 inch in length.
They have a unique life cycle, attaching to a host at the larval stage and remaining attached for several years.
Whale barnacles play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem, serving as food sources for fish and other marine animals.
In addition to barnacles, whale lice (tiny crustaceans that feed on the whale’s skin and damaged tissue or barnacle scars) can also be found clinging to similar areas of the whale’s body, particularly around mother whales and calves. These tiny crustaceans provide an additional source of nutrition for young whales.
Why Barnacles Are Important
Despite their appearance, ‘barnacles do not harm whales in the same way as true parasites.’ However, they do provide valuable information about the life and migration patterns of individual whales. Each unique pattern of barnacle coverage helps researchers identify individual whales.
Barnacle scars remain even after the creatures are gone, making it easier to recognize young whales as they grow. These scars can also be seen in the fossil record, providing evidence that barnacles have been attaching to whales for millions of years.
Do Barnacles Serve a Purpose?
While barnacles may not provide a clear benefit to whales, they do serve an important purpose. As filter-feeding whales travel through the ocean, they provide barnacles with a nutrient-rich environment in which to thrive. This mobile buffet allows barnacles to mature in just a few weeks.
In return for providing a home for these tiny creatures, ‘barnacles may act as minor armor against predators or other creatures,’ although this benefit to whales is still debated. One thing is clear: barnacles are an enduring part of the whale’s ocean journey and play a fascinating role in their ecosystem.
- howstuffworks.com | Are Barnacles on Whales Normal or Problematic? Or Both?
