Under sunny skies and temperatures in the low 60’s, we make our way to the Pacific coast seashore, at low tide, to explore marine life in tide pools. After watching a Dowitcher shorebird search for food, I make it to a rocky beach with plenty of pools, just in time to spot a 4-inch, slug-like Sea Hare slowly moving about. The horn-like structures seen on the head are called rhinophores. They allow these animals to pick up chemical cues in the water, such as those from other sea hares during mating season. When threatened by predators, they release a dark purple fluid in defense. The ink gets its purple color from a pigment in the red algae that makes up part of their diet. Sea Hares have a secret shell-an internal shell that protects their vital organs. Their eggs are encased in a protective sticky jelly and look like masses of spaghetti noodles. They may lay up to eighty million eggs; its larvae hatch in 10-12 days. At the next pool, I pause to see some small shells in motion as they’re occupied by hermit crabs. After observing some Brown Pelicans soaring overhead, I stop by another pool where a few 1-inch Sculpin fish are darting about. These fish have the ability to camouflage themselves by changing color to blend into the background and hide from predators. This species has been well studied by biologists for its high tolerance of temperature change. Also, they have an amazing homing ability and can use their sense of smell to make it back to their favorite pool as the tide comes and goes. Other pools display a colorful Sunburst Anemone and Kelp algae with their distinctive bladders that keep them afloat. Nearby, I come upon a rock face above the waterline exposing a variety of organisms including red Coraline algae, tube worms, several small snails and a 2-inch, ornate Wavy Turban snail. Another rock face, close by, reveals several 1/8-inch Limpets and Chitons as well as a cluster of Mussels and Gooseneck barnacles. Next, I spot a 3-inch, Striped Shore Crab in the shadow of a rock crevice. These crabs make tiny clicking sounds that are heard near these tide pools. They feed on films of algae and diatoms growing on the rocks which they scrape off with their claws. They also scavenge on dead animals and at times eat living prey, such as limpets, snails, other crabs, and even the unwary fly. In turn, these crabs are eaten by gulls, octopus, rats, raccoons, and even man. Finally, I turned around to head back toward the car where I spot an Egret, in the distance, hunting for food.
Ebb flowing tide
On rocky shore
Pools of life
Here to explore
Crustaceans cling
Tentacles sway
Algae of red
Shellfish of gray
Crabs, tubeworms
Kelp mats float
Nature’s realm
Worthy of note
D. DeGraaf
Love the tide pools!
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