Update Pygmy Killer Whales off Maui May 19,2009

This is an update on the pygmy killer whales of Maui prepared May 19, 2009. Only two of possibly five creatures were observed. One has an obvious growth of barnacles on its face at either side of its mouth. One cluster is about the size of my fist. It is most likely Xenobalanus globicipites. The barnacle is not a parasite and takes no nutrients from the whale. The whale merely provides a place for the barnacle to stand. It gathers nutrients from the ocean water that passes by as the whale moves.
Research papers I have read regarding this barnacle report that it may be quite numerous on a creature at one sighting and sometime later the same creature may be devoid of them. In the video I speculate as to if this is the casual feature in the whales being in the area and wonder if this animal is under stress. Based on what I have learned and the unfolding events I do not believe the barnacles are a significant problem for the pygmy.
Note of the three recently sighted pygmies the smaller is not present in this video.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• dr
• leisure
• pygmy
• killer
• whales
• May
• 19
• 2009
• Xenobalanus
• globicipites
• barnacle
• Dr
• George
• Harker
• Maui
• North
• Kihei

[NinjaEmery]

Good work once again, thank you.

Emery, currently in Virginia with bronchitis.