Xenobalanus globicipitis

crustacean

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July 16, 2026

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Xenobalanus globicipitis is a unique type of small, pseudo-stalked barnacle that is a commensal organism found on the appendages of cetaceans, such as dolphins. Barnacles, in general, are sedentary marine crustaceans that typically have a calcareous shell. They are divided into two main superorders: Acrothoracica (burrowing barnacles) and Thoracica, which includes goose and acorn barnacles. While some barnacles are sessile, attaching to surfaces like ships and marine installations, Xenobalanus globicipitis specifically associates with marine mammals.123

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cetacean
Diseases and parasitism
Xenobalanus globicipitis, a unique type of small pseudo-stalked barnacle, occurs on the appendages of cetaceans, including the common bottlenose dolphin. Stalked barnacles can also occur on exposed teeth and can be particularly striking on the tusks of beaked whales.
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Xenobalanus globicipitis, a unique type of small pseudo-stalked barnacle, occurs on the appendages of cetaceans, including the common bottlenose dolphin. Stalked barnacles can also occur on exposed teeth and can be particularly striking on the tusks of beaked whales.
Read More