Conopea galeata

(Sea Whip Barnacle)

Size

Diameter: 1.5cm (0.6")

Recognition Characters

This barnacle is recognized because of its obligate commensal relationship with the seawhip, Leptogorgia, and by their unusual shape and color. The basal plate, which attaches the barnacle to Leptogorgia, is boat shaped. The aperture which remains uncovered by coenchyme of the octocoral should be visible. Outer plates of barnacle are dominated by carina and carinolateral plates.

Color

Although it has brown and white markings, the barnacle often assumes the color of its host Leptogorgia virgulata. Can be overgrown in orange, white, yellow, or purple.

Habitat & Depth

Attach solely to Leptogorgia species. Depth range associated with these octocorals.

Distribution at GRNMS

Attached to branches of Leptogorgia.

Geographic Range

Southeast coast of United States, parts of Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico

Behavior & Notes

Although Leptogorgia virgulata produces chemicals that inhibit barnacles and other fouling organisms from attaching, it is also commonly found with an attached sea whip barnacle, Conopea galeata, an obligate commensal that is covered by the coenchyme of the octocoral. This provides a safe place for the barnacle to settle. The benefits the barnacle provides for the Leptogorgia colony are unknown.

Synonyms

References

Ruppert and Fox 1988