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Sea Turtles

Sea Turtles

Date: 2019-02-01

Ever wonder about the barnacles on a turtle Sea turtles may carry a variety of hitch-hikers such as barnacles, crabs, shrimps, algae, oysters, bristle worms and brittle stars. Most of these gain benefit from the turtle through transportation and habitat, while the turtle gains less, but most often camouflage. There are 29 species of barnacles found on turtles. A few barnacles on a turtle is regarded as 'normal' but a heavy load of barnacles can cause drag when the turtles swims and in most cases, the barnacles themselves are not the problem but, they are a symptom of some other ailment. The carapace of a sea turtle is relatively soft and removal of barnacles must be undertaken by a professional during rehabilitation, scrapping and removing barnacles from a turtle can cause injury and infection to the animal, if done so incorrectly.

Information by: KZN Marine Stranding Network.