Epibiotic barnacles and crabs as indicators of Caretta caretta distribution and movements in the Mediterranean Sea

Paolo Casale; Daniela Freggi; Roberto Basso; Roberto Argano

doi:10.1017/S0025315404010318h

Abstract

The occurrence of barnacles and crabs on Caretta caretta specimens found in the waters around Italy was analysed. In the seas surrounding Italy balanomorph barnacles occur mainly on turtles frequenting shallow waters and crabs display a strong west–east gradient. Patterns of turtle distribution and movements are proposed. The abundance of turtle-specific barnacles may be dependent on, and so an indicator of, turtle density.

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Epibiotic barnacles and crabs as indicators of Caretta caretta distribution and movements in the Mediterranean Sea

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Epibiotic barnacles and crabs as indicators of Caretta caretta distribution and movements in the Mediterranean Sea

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