What are barnacles?
Ever seen tiny rock-hard bumps at the bottom of the boat, on turtles, or on other surfaces? Some people might dismiss them as part of the scenery, but when it comes to barnacles, there is more than meets the eye. The barnacles might look like mere shells at a glance, but they are more than that.
So, what are barnacles? Are barnacles alive? If so, what do barnacles eat? In this guide, we will dive into the world of barnacles and uncover their biology, impact, and the best methods for removing them.
What are barnacles?
When it comes to barnacles, multiple questions come to our mind, such as are barnacles crustaceans, are barnacles alive, what are barnacles made of, and many more. To understand them, we will first begin with the common question - “What is a barnacle?”
Barnacles are small, marine creatures that belong to the crustacean family. Though they are unlike the other creatures (crabs, lobsters, shrimp, etc.), they are still known to be a distant relative of the hard-shelled marine creatures.
Is a barnacle a crustacean? Why?
Barnacles belong to the crustacean family because they have a hard exoskeleton and jointed appendages. They go through molting behavior and larval development like other crustaceans.
The Barnacle Anatomy - What do barnacles look like?
Appearance
Barnacles look like tiny volcanoes encrusted on surfaces, and their appearance makes us wonder, “Are barnacles alive?” Yes, they are alive, and the anatomy of a barnacle is unique.
Barnacle Body:
- Shell Plates: These plates are made of calcium carbonate. The plates form a hard and protective shell around the adult barnacles. These plates have a base plate, side plates, and movable plates.
- Cirri: Cirri are the feathery appendages that catch plankton and food particles from the water.
- Body: The body of a barnacle is turned upside down, where the head is attached to the surface, and cirri (feeding limbs) stick out from the top.
- Cement Glands: These glands are situated near their antennae. They secrete a strong glue that helps larval barnacles attach to any surface.
How do barnacles attach?
This is how barnacles attach themselves to surfaces:
| Tasting Surface | Using the Superglue | Forming Shell |
|---|---|---|
| Barnacles in their cyprid larva stage use their antennae to explore and “taste” various surfaces using chemical and physical cues. | After finding the perfect spot, the barnacle secretes its superglue—an underwater adhesive that is among the strongest bio-adhesives—helping it stick firmly to the surface. | Once completely attached to the surface, the barnacle develops the plates, forming its protective shell. |
What do barnacles eat?
Barnacles are filter feeders that feed by extending their cirri like a fishing net in the water. Cirri trap food particles, which are then drawn into the barnacle’s mouth. They primarily eat:
- Plankton
- Detritus
- Microscopic algae
Barnacle Removal - How to remove a barnacle?
1. Manual Scraping
Manual scraping, an old way of removing barnacles from surfaces. This method requires using tools like a scraper, chisel, or wire brushes to remove the barnacles manually. It can be used for spot cleaning and occasional maintenance. This method is cheap, requires less equipment, and is useful for small-scale infestations, but it can be time-consuming. Manual scraping causes damage to painted and delicate surfaces and requires diving for underwater sections
2. Pressure Washing
This method requires water jets to blast barnacles off surfaces. Pressure washing can be used for prepping boats, large hulls, and underwater platforms. On the one hand, this method is faster than manual scraping, less abrasive, and can reach difficult angles. On the other hand, pressure washing not only requires special equipment but also may not fully remove barnacles.
3. Antifouling Paints
Antifouling paints are coatings designed to deter marine organisms like barnacles from attaching to the surfaces. The antifouling paints are the preventive solution that reduces the need for frequent cleanings. The solution is available in different types and provides long-lasting protection. But this paint requires reapplication, is expensive, and the chemicals may affect marine ecosystems.
4. Chemical Treatments
The chemical treatments involve using acids to remove barnacles from surfaces. This method is effective for stubborn infestations, but it is often toxic to marine life, which makes it less favorable compared to other methods. The chemical treatment can also damage structural materials or protective coatings.
FAQs
Can you eat barnacles?
Yes, some barnacles are edible and are eaten in Spain and Portugal. They are usually boiled in salt water and served.
Are barnacles parasites?
Barnacles are not parasites, although they do attach themselves to living hosts.
Do barnacles hurt whales?
Barnacles do not hurt whales directly, but they do affect them if there is a heavy infestation. They can reduce swimming efficiency, irritate sensitive areas like the eyes and fins.
Summing Up!
As we end our guide, “What are barnacles?” we now understand more about these resilient marine creatures and their relationship with the ocean world. Whether you're a marine enthusiast or a curious reader, barnacles offer a fascinating glimpse into ocean life.
These creatures may be small, but they continue to inspire research across fields from biomimetics to medicine.
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