Barnacles secrete an adhesive which allows them to stick to things (such as rocks or ship hulls) underwater. Most types of adhesive work only on dry surfaces, so an adhesive which works underwater is rather unusual. It is also medically significant, since it is sometimes useful to glue together skin or other body parts which are not dry (due to blood, lymph, or other bodily fluids).
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An example of commensalism is the relationship between barnacles and whales. Barnacles attach themselves to the skin of whales and benefit by getting a free ride through the water and access to nutrients. The whales are not significantly affected by the presence of the barnacles.
Some fish that eat barnacles include triggerfish, wrasses, and some species of gobies. These fish feed on barnacles by picking at their shells or scraping them off rocks. Barnacles are an important food source for many marine organisms.
Barnacles are preyed upon by several animals, including starfish, crabs, snails, fish, and birds. These predators use various methods like crushing, pecking, or scraping to feed on barnacles. Additionally, sea otters are also known to consume barnacles as part of their diet.
Yes, blue claw crabs are known to feed on barnacles as part of their diet. In the wild, they forage for a variety of small marine creatures, including barnacles, to sustain themselves.
Barnacles are edible, although in the US, they are generally ignored. However, in Europe, the Gooseneck barnacle is considered a delicacy and is quite expensive. Yes, they are ugly, but only to those who have never bothered to taste them!