Rocky
Party!
At first glance, there does not seem much life on the rocky beach.
But all the activity is under the stones and pebbles! Here it is moist
and cool, and a bewildering variety of snails, sponges, ascidians
and other small animals shelter and feed. However, these stones move
about in the currents, so animals living here must cling firmly to
the stones.
Secret rock dwellers: Among the
animals that you almost always find under a stone are porcelain crabs
that scurry away quickly. Other tiny crabs remain motionless and are
overlooked as fleeing porcelain crabs distract the disturber. Some
animals stick firmly to the underside of the stone. These include
keelworms, cowries, snails, limpets, sea cucumbers, sea slugs and
small sea stars. Many look just like the stone itself so they are
easily overlooked. Some creatures also lay their eggs on the underside
of rocks and stones.
Put it back GENTLY! After investigating
life under a stone, please remember to put the stone back EXACTLY
the way you found it. Do it GENTLY to avoid crushing plants and animals.
Some plants that grow on top of the stone need to face the sunlight
to grow. Animals that live under the stone need the shade to survive.
Please do not turn over large rocks. You may accidentally crush animals
as you turn it over and turn it back.
Beware! When turning stones, be
careful and it's best to use gloves. Stones are covered with sharp
keelworm casings and barnacles and will cause painful abrasions on
delicate fingers. Crabs and bristleworms might nip or sting you. |
|
Barnacles
and bivalves
Sea cucumber
Rock star
Asterina sp.
Tiny snapping shrimp
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