Goose barnacle migrate, it was thought that barnacle geese, "Branta leucopsis", developed from this crustacean, since they were never seen to nest in temperate Europe, hence the English names "goose barnacle", "barnacle goose" and the scientific name "Lepas anserifera" (, "goose"). The confusion was prompted by the similarities in colour and shape. Because they were often found on driftwood, it was assumed that the barnacles were attached to branches before they fell in the water. The archdeacon of Brecon, Gerald of Wales, made this claim in his "Topographia Hiberniae". Since barnacle geese were thought to be "neither flesh, nor born of flesh",
Whale barnacle The goose barnacle "Conchoderma auritum" often attaches to the shell of "C. diadema". Whale barnacles and whales have a commensal relationship–the barnacle benefits at no benefit nor cost to the whale. However, callosities could be an adaptation to prevent barnacles from adding to drag by concentrating infestations, and a heavy infestation may lead to eczema. "Xenobalanus" can more easily grow on sick skin with a weakened immune system, and younger individuals tend to have larger infestations presumably because they are less resistant; further, given it has a stalk, it increases the drag felt by the host and may be considered