Octolasmis
Octolasmis is a genus of barnacles in the family Poecilasmatidae. These small, sessile crustaceans are commonly found on a variety of marine organisms, including whales, sea turtles, and fish. They are characterized by their distinctive, elongated shells and their ability to filter feed.
Common Names
Octolasmis barnacles are often referred to as "whale barnacles" due to their frequent association with whales. They are also sometimes called "turtle barnacles" or "fish barnacles" depending on their host organism.
Characteristics
Members of the genus Octolasmis are typically small, measuring only a few millimeters in length. They have a distinct, elongated shell that is often curved or twisted. The shell consists of six plates that are fused together. The barnacles have a pair of jointed legs, called cirri, which they use to filter food from the surrounding water. They also have a mouth and a digestive system.
Environments
Octolasmis barnacles are found in a variety of marine environments, including:
- Open ocean
- Coastal waters
- Estuaries
They are typically found attached to the skin or shells of larger marine animals, such as whales, sea turtles, and fish. Some species are also known to inhabit hard substrates like rocks and coral reefs.