Meeting Abstract

39.11  Jan. 6  Form Follows Function In Mode Of Attachment For Barnacles Commensal With Sea Turtles ZARDUS, J.D.*; BALAZS, G.H.; The Citadel, Charleston, SC; NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, Honolulu, HI john.zardus@citadel.edu

Approximately one dozen species of barnacles live attached exclusively to sea turtles. Yet, despite similarity of habitat they vary considerably in form owing to differences in attachment mode. Specialized for particular locations on their hosts, some species fasten themselves to turtle shell by way of adhesives, others mechanically clamp onto host skin, and a few embed or even burrow into epidermis. Being associated with elusive and highly migratory hosts, turtle barnacles have not been well documented. Morphological descriptions are incomplete for a number of species and there is uncertainty about their geographical distribution and occurrence with the world�s various sea turtles. Using light and electron microscopy, we demonstrate the attachment mechanism of various turtle barnacle species and highlight their diagnostic features. In addition, we report new records of occurrence for two species in Hawaii and one in the Atlantic. Aspects of turtle barnacle biology and enigmas concerning their life-histories are also discussed.