They may look like crusty little bumps on rocks, but barnacles are anything but ordinary. In this episode, we dive beneath their stony exteriors to uncover a life of surprising complexity. From upside-down shrimp relatives that cement their heads to the seafloor, to parasitic body-snatchers that take over crabs, these tiny creatures defy expectations. You'll discover how barnacles ride whales across oceans, craft one of the strongest natural glues on Earth, and even inspire medical innovation. Join us as we explore the extraordinary world of the seemingly humble barnacle.

Tucked along the volcanic shores of the Galápagos lives a creature that defies expectations. It is a reptile that dives into the cold ocean, feeds underwater, and sneezes out salt like it’s no big deal. In this episode of Saltwater Stories, we follow the marine iguana, a species so strange it once puzzled Darwin and now fascinates scientists around the world. From its prehistoric look to its ability to shrink its skeleton during hard times, this lizard is a master of extremes. Join us as we uncover how it survives, what threatens its future, and why its story matters far beyond the islands it calls home.

Ever heard of a crab that climbs trees, sniffs out snacks from miles away, and packs a punch strong enough to crack coconuts? Meet the coconut crab... part ninja, part tank, and all attitude. In this episode of Saltwater Stories, we follow this oversized oddball from its baby days drifting at sea to its full-blown land-crab glory. Along the way, we discover what makes it so weird, so wonderful, and why it just might be the most extra crab on the planet.