During the months of October and November the Humpback Whales are known to arrive in Hawaiian waters bearing up to a ton of barnacles!

Euraphia hembeli

Description • Hawaii's largest barnacle forms a volcano like shape shells and often look like limpets. They are sharp and are found densely packed which is necessary for fertilization to occur. They can grow up to 3 inches in diameter.

Habitat • Attached to substrate they are commonly found on exposed offshore sites and some may settle above the low tide mark. Also found on whales, turtles, lobsters, or other marine animals.

Diet •.The Hembel's Barnicle scoops plankton and seaweed into it's sucker with its shell.