6. Barnacles attach to the shell of a scallop and gain a place to live. The scallop is not harmed by the presence of the barnacle.

A fascinating aspect of barnacles is their unique lifecycle. They start as free-swimming larvae, drifting in the ocean before settling on suitable surfaces like scallops. Once they attach, they grow into their hard, calcified shells, which provide a sturdy home. This relationship exemplifies commensalism, where one organism benefits without significantly affecting the other, showcasing the intricate dance of marine life!

In the culinary world, scallops are highly prized for their sweet, tender meat, and barnacles are considered a delicacy in some cultures. In Spain and Portugal, barnacles (known as “percebes”) are harvested from rocky coastlines and are often steamed or boiled, offering a taste of the sea unlike any other! This relationship between barnacles and scallops underscores the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems and human cuisine.