Conopea merrilli

(Sea Whip Barnacle)

Size

Diameter: 1.5cm (0.6")

Recognition Characters

Similar to Conopea galeata this barnacle is recognized because of its obligate commensal relationship with the Leptogorgiaoctocorals and by their unusual shape and color. The basal plate, of this species however is not boat shaped but flattened and attaches completely to the octocoral branch . The aperture which remains uncovered by coenchyme of the octocoral should be visible. Outer radial plates of C. merrilli are much larger in size than radial plates of C. galeata.

Color

Habitat & Depth

Attach solely to Leptogorgia species. 4 to 44m.

Distribution at GRNMS

Attached to branches of Leptogorgia.

Geographic Range

North Carolina south to Puerto Rico and Blanquilla Reef, Veracruz, 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

Gittings et al.