Do Barnacles Hurt Whales? Why Do They Ride On Their Bodies?

Have you ever wondered about those tiny shell-like hitchhikers on a whale's skin? Barnacles are small ocean travelers that latch onto whales, munching on plankton as they go. But why do these massive whales let them hang around? Given their size, it's likely that whales barely notice these tiny lodgers.

But the relationship isn't purely one-sided. Though it might seem like barnacles get a free ride, they're not just lounging around. They aren’t draining any energy from the whales, and in a surprising twist, these tiny critters might just play the role of unexpected protectors. Their hardy shells can serve as a shield for whales against potential sea threats.

Now, are you ready to plunge deeper and find out more about these creatures? The ocean brims with tales of unexpected friendships and intriguing facts, and this barnacle-whale duo is just the beginning!

What are barnacles?

It's time to meet barnacles, one of the world's tiniest road-trippers! These mini marvels have a unique way of life; they latch onto surfaces, flip themselves upside down, and snack on microscopic goodies flowing by.

Though small, barnacles play a big part in the marine ecosystem, filtering the water and providing food for other creatures. Pro-tip for beachcombers: next time you're exploring the shoreline, keep an eye out for these little adventurers. You'll gain a whole new appreciation for the small wonders of the deep blue!

• Barnacles are small sea creatures related to crabs and lobsters. They're one of Earth's oldest species, and you can tell just by looking at their simple design.
• They feed by filter-feeding or suspension-feeding, capturing small food particles from the water they pass through.
• Barnacles can be harmful because they latch onto and multiply on the undersides of ships, oil rigs, and deep-sea equipment, causing damage over time.
• There are more than 1,000 barnacle species. When barnacles attach to whales, they usually have a give-and-take relationship with their massive hosts. Whale barnacles may have evolved from turtle barnacles around three million years ago.
• The acorn barnacle is the most common type you'll find, and it's usually round with six hard, fused plates made of calcium. Whale barnacles are a kind of acorn barnacle. Their soft bodies poke out from the center, shielded by extra top plates that can open and close to keep their insides safe.
• Acorn barnacles grow shells directly onto surfaces, while gooseneck barnacles attach using a stalk.

Why and how do barnacles sit on whales?

Have you ever wondered why barnacles seem to be the ultimate fans of whales? Imagine getting front-row seats to an epic, ocean-wide tour, complete with endless snacks of floating plankton.

That's the life of a barnacle on a whale; and don't worry, the whales don't seem to mind.

To them, it's like wearing a few extra pieces of jewelry; only that these charms might actually fend off some undersea bullies! So next time you spot those crusty critters on a whale, just know they're not just along for the ride; they're part of an oceanic dream team!

• Whales and barnacles share a relationship called commensalism. The barnacles benefit the most, hitching a ride on whales for protection and food. Meanwhile, they don't harm the whales. It's a one-sided, harmless free ride.
• Barnacles latch onto whales for a safe home, plenty of water to filter-feed from, and space to grow their colonies.
• Barnacles start as small larvae in the sea. Many marine biologists believe that barnacles sync up their breeding time with that of whales. So, when whales gather in warm, shallow waters, barnacle larvae grab the chance to latch onto them, making the whale's skin their new home.
• As they grow, barnacles develop tough, pointed shells to protect their soft bodies. These shells dig into the whale's skin, ensuring a secure grip. Inside, they have tube-shaped structures that help them anchor firmly to the whale.
• Young barnacles secrete a cement-like substance that hardens into plates around them. These plates then mesh together, gripping the whale's skin tightly and basically becoming a somewhat permanent part of the whale.
• Barnacles often hitch a ride on whales, but they especially love to latch onto the head and chin areas. These spots are prime real estate for barnacles, allowing them easy access to plankton-rich waters for filter-feeding when the whale swims by.
• When a whale swims through plankton-rich waters, the barnacle gets a free meal. It simply stretches out its filtering arm and catches the floating plankton. As the host whale moves, the barnacle enjoys a constant buffet.

Should barnacles be removed from whales?

Here's an age-old question: why don't whales give barnacles the boot? It's normal to think these crusty stowaways might be a nuisance, but the reality is a bit more complex.

For the most part, whales don't seem to mind their barnacle buddies. In fact, these tough-shelled passengers might serve as pint-sized bodyguards for the whales.

So, before you start a barnacle-removal campaign, remember that nature has a way of maintaining balance, and the barnacle-whale alliance seems to be a part of that equilibrium. Next time you see these oceanic companions, think of them as partners navigating the high seas together!

• Barnacle colonies on whales can get heavy, sometimes reaching 1,000 lbs (453.5 kg). Yet, these weighty guests usually don't harm the whale. They aren't parasites and mostly don't hurt the whale's skin. However, if too many barnacles cluster in one spot, they can irritate the skin. In such cases, whales try to dislodge barnacles themselves.
• Barnacles generally don't harm whales, so there's no need to remove them. However, if there are too many, they might irritate the whale skin. When barnacles dig in, they can sometimes scrape off the top layer of the whale's skin.
• Also, sometimes parasites like whale lice hide under barnacles on whales, which can hurt the whale. In such cases, it's better to remove the barnacles.
• It's typically best to let whales remove barnacles on their own. Trying to remove them can harm the whale's skin, as barnacles latch on deeply.
• Whales sometimes rub against rocks or the ocean floor to shed bothersome barnacles and whale lice. But generally, barnacles don't harm whales. In fact, they can act as a protective layer, like a natural armor for the whale.

What kind of whales do barnacles prefer to sit on?

Just like people might prefer front-row concert tickets, some barnacles have their VIP list of preferred whales, with Humpback and gray whales topping the chart! These two species offer something unique to their tiny freeloaders.

Humpback whales are known for their epic migration routes, and gray whales frequent shallow waters, making it easy for barnacles to filter-feed. Next time you spot barnacles on whales, you'll know they aren’t just going with the flow; they’re cruising in style with their top picks!

• Barnacles have favorites when it comes to whales. Most often, they choose humpback and gray whales, influenced by the water's location and temperature.
• Barnacles often latch onto baleen whales, and you'll usually find a specific type, called Cryptolepas rhachianecti, covering gray whales.
• Humpback whales often have the Coronula diaderma barnacle, which isn't found on other whales.
• Humpback whale species also host Semibalanus balanoides (acorn barnacles) and Pollicipes pollicipes (gooseneck barnacles). They also shelter a type of whale lice.
• Killer whales, blue whales, and orcas occasionally have barnacles, but it's rare and usually in small numbers.
• Male whales tend to have more barnacles than females. This is mostly due to their mating behaviors and interactions, not because barnacles grow differently on each gender.

In the grand ballet of the ocean, barnacles and whales dance a unique duet. While it might seem like barnacles are the uninvited guests at the party, they don’t really harm their massive hosts.

Instead, they enjoy the whale's hospitality, catching a ride and munching on tiny sea treats. And as a little thank-you, their hard shells might just offer some protection for the whales.

So, next time you're by the sea or watching a nature documentary, share this fascinating tidbit with friends and family. Remember, the ocean is full of wonders waiting to be discovered, and every piece of knowledge helps to better appreciate and protect marine animals.