We are excited to announce our new publication on barnacle attachment in cetaceans that many of you contributed data to!: "*Some like it hot: Temperature and hydrodynamic factors influence Xenobalanus globicipitis attachment to cetaceans*" by Milan M. Dolezal, Vivienne Foroughirad, Frank E. Fish, Ann-Marie Jacoby, Melissa A. Collier, Colin J. Murphy, Keith A. Rittmaster, Janet Mann https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.13022
Abstract Barnacles can reveal much about the physiology, health, and spatial ecology of their cetacean hosts. Here, we examine how temperature and hydrodynamic factors impact presence of *Xenobalanus globicipitis*, a pseudo-stalked barnacle that attaches exclusively to cetaceans. We hypothesized that temperature is a key environmental factor (i.e., water temperature) and physiological factor, in that *X. globicipitis* prefers the warmest skin temperature for attachment, possibly as a mechanism for survival in colder waters. First, we demonstrate a global relationship between spatial ecology of host species and presence of X. globicipitis. Notably, *X. globicipitis* is absent in the four species occupying waters with the lowest sea surface temperature (SST) year-round, but present in migratory species that likely acquire the barnacle in waters with higher SST. Second, barnacle attachment location on common bottlenose dolphin (*Tursiops truncatus)* dorsal fins corresponds with fin temperature and hydrodynamics. Although body temperature may influence attachment location on the body of the animal, hydrodynamic forces, as previously proposed, determine how well barnacles can remain attached during the adult stage. *X. globicipitis* prevalence likely provides important bioindicator, ecological, and physiological information about its host. As parasitic infestation has some cost, these results have implications for cetacean health in warming seas. Janet Mann, Ph.D. website <https://gufaculty360.georgetown.edu/s/contact/00336000014RY0bAAG/janet-mann> Distinguished University Professor Department of Biology Department of Psychology Georgetown University pcdolphinproject.org monkeymiadolphins.org
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