2006-12-13 13:52:10 · 4 answers · asked by tui 5 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
It would appear that barnacles prefer a very slow moving substrate to establish itself upon. Looking at dolphins and fish, they move extremely fast and also have generally less surface area for a barnacle to cement itself to. Looking at larger and more typically slower moving whales, barnacles can secrete its unique biological glue to lock itself down upon the whale's skin. Also, it would appear that these whales are baleen whales (mysticeti) which feed upon krill and other microscopic organisms. Barnacles also have a similar diet to these whales, which give them the chance to get more food by being on a mobile platform vice a static location.
2006-12-13 15:51:09 · answer #1 · answered by icehoundxx 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Barnacle Fish
2016-12-10 14:37:37 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am guessing - but i can think of three possible reasons: 1) barnacles can't get enough to eat if they attached to dolphins or fish, but maybe they can on baleen whales since they both eat plankton - the whales carry the barnacles to food, while dolphins and most adult fish are in waters that don' t have enough plankton; 2) fish secrete slimes that might prevent barnacles from attaching; and 3) since dolphins are social animals, maybe they clean barnacles off each other?
2006-12-13 14:01:26 · answer #3 · answered by formerly_bob 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
because they are slow moving animals
2006-12-13 17:59:23 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋