Why do barnacles attach to turtles and whales?

Barnacle larvae will attach to anything firm enough to attach to and which happens to be available and near enough for the young barnacle to approach and stick to. The young barnacle doesn't even know what item or object it has attached to, especially if that object is too big for it to span or comprehend. read more

The young barnacles that happen to attach to a turtle or whale by chance would be either lucky or unlucky depending on where that animal or ship went. If it went to good quality waters, then the barnacles are lucky. Obviously a turtle or a whale would not willingly swim to a place that has bad water quality because the big animal will also be affected by pollution or toxins in the water. The barnacles attached to a larger animal are going to be exposed mostly to good-quality water. read more

On some whales, too many barnacles can cause drag. Minor skin irritations or infections may arise. On the plus side, the barnacles can actually protect the whales, like a suit of armor. Gray whales have been known to roll over when under attack from other whales, presenting their enemies with a back covered in hard, spiny, immovable soldiers. read more

Like other stationary marine invertebrates, barnacles begin their lives as larvae — tiny, shell-less swimmers that find a place to settle and develop into the sturdy barnacles we know. read more