Barnacles are the little hitchhikers of the sea. They are fascinating (/s) yet infamous for their tenacity. These crustaceans have been around for millions of years. Despite their tiny size, they’ve made a big impact on marine life. Definitely not to the marine organisms.
The History of Barnacles
Barnacles belong to a group of crustaceans called Cirripedia. They have been sticking to surfaces since the Jurassic period, about 200 million years ago. Their fossil record reveals that barnacles have been clinging to the shells of marine reptiles, other crustaceans, and even floating wood. Over time, they’ve perfected the art of attaching (should learn, lol) themselves to almost anything that comes their way.
Attachment
Barnacles are born as free-swimming larvae, moves along with ocean currents. But once they find a suitable surface, they undergo a remarkable transformation. They produce a super-strong adhesive, often considered one of the strongest natural glues, and stick to them for good. This glue is so effective that it’s even being studied for medical and industrial applications.
Removal and the Impact
Removal from Marine Animals
Removing barnacles from marine animals is not an easy task. For creatures like whales and turtles, the barnacles are often deeply embedded in the skin or shell. The removal process can be harmful or painful. Whenever I am watching the whales reels, i have urge from deep down of my body to starch (Pudingify) those barnacles. One of reader (G.) sent the videos of how it is removed from turtles. Too painful to watch! They might cause skin irritation, open sores, infections and more prone to diseases and predators. Anyways, they are done in two ways
- Physical Scraping: In rehabilitation centers, barnacles are sometimes removed manually using tools. This must be done cautiously to avoid injuring the animal, as barnacles can leave open wounds susceptible to infection.
- Natural Shedding: Some marine animals can shed their outer layers or engage in behaviors like rubbing against hard surfaces to dislodge barnacles.
Distress
For marine creatures, barnacles can be more than just an annoyance. Imagine trying to swim with several small creatures stuck to your body. I don’t why I am annoyed with these. Whales, for example, can carry thousands of barnacles, which can create drag and slow them down. Similarly, sea turtles often have their shells covered in barnacles, making it harder for them. Already the shells are heavy. In extreme cases, the sheer number of barnacles can even impact the animal’s health, causing diseases.
While most barnacles are harmless filter feeders, some are parasitic. The rhizocephalan barnacles, for example, infect crabs and can alter their host’s behavior and reproduction. (Upcoming ones)
Impact on Ships
For ships, the removal of these barnacles is labor-intensive.
- Dry Docking: Ships are brought to a dry dock where the hull is cleaned manually or with high-pressure water jets.
- Chemical Treatments: Anti-fouling paints and coatings are applied to hulls to prevent barnacle attachment. Obviously, some of these chemicals can be harmful to the marine environment.
This means that ships have to burn more fuel to maintain speed, leading to higher costs and more pollution.
Marvel of Glue
The glue of barnacles is a something amazing I believe. It’s a complex mixture of proteins and other molecules that combine to form an incredibly strong and durable adhesive. Unlike most glues (Fevikwik?) we’re familiar with, barnacle glue sets in water and even in the presence of turbulence, which is why barnacles can attach themselves to the hulls of moving ships or the rough skin of marine organisms.
The glue works by first creating a sort of primer layer that bonds with the surface. Then, as the barnacle secretes more adhesive, it builds a layer that forms a strong, permanent bond. The glue isn’t just strong but it’s also flexible enough to absorb shocks and adapt to the movements of the surface where its attached to. Maybe, that’s why its hard to remove.
Scientists have been studying barnacle glue for years, hoping to replicate its properties for human use. Imagine surgical adhesives that work better in wet environments or industrial glues that can bond materials even underwater. While we’re still figuring out all the secrets of barnacle glue, it’s clear that these tiny creatures have mastered a form of adhesion that’s far beyond our current capabilities.
A Love-Hate Relationship
Despite the trouble they cause, barnacles are also a marvel of nature (Bound to say). Their ability to adhere so strongly to surfaces, their ancient history, and their resilience in harsh marine environments make them interesting to study.
So next time you see a barnacle-covered rock at the beach/whale, take a moment to appreciate the complex life of these tiny, stubborn creatures and scrap them off the surface (lol). Appreciate the nature too at least they mastered the art of attachment. They’ve been clinging to survival for millions of years sometimes, quite literally!
Cheers.
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