I like the sphere with the SSS turned on better. I don't think barnicles or a starfish suits the character very well IMO. I think the problem is that it's looks too pretty so to say. The fishy pirates in POTC: Dead Mans Chest, were monster and grotesque looking. Your Pirate doesn't have that look. make him ugly and the barnicals and starfish will work.

Of course this is just my opinion.