A kind-hearted diver freed the baby turtle from a cluster of barnacles clinging to its shell and belly.
Barnacles are related to lobsters and crabs. They typically seek out a hard surface and attach their bodies to it for life. Besides large rocks and shells, turtle shells are an ideal habitat for barnacles.
While a few barnacles clinging to a turtle may not cause much harm, a large number of them parasitizing the host can have severe consequences.
Barnacles can attach to the eyes, nostrils, and flippers of turtles, hindering their vision, swimming, and even breathing.
Some barnacle species are particularly fond of attaching to sea turtles.
Besides increasing the host’s weight, making movement difficult, these species can also harm turtle shells by introducing bacteria and fungi.