How to Identify a Tide Pool Sea Creature

Tide pools are a unique aquatic environment found on the rocky edges of the ocean. They are constantly changing as tidal waters come into and go out of these natural depressions.

Instructions

1. Watch sea anemones as the water comes into and goes out of the tide pool. In order for sea anemones to survive life in a tide pool, they fold inward and secrete a layer of mucus to preserve moisture while the tide is out.

2. Look for sea lions that come to the coast line tide pools to take advantage of food sources found there. Many creatures that do not live in the water are at home in tide pools.

3. Observe the Grunt Sculpin who has to pant to stay alive during low tide in a tide pool. By panting, it forces water over its gills and extracts oxygen left in the tide pool.

4. Be careful of sea urchins. Sea urchins are spiny plant eating creatures that can appear soft in the tide pool during high tide. They defend themselves against predators by laying down their spines to reveal long stinging stalks.

5. Come in on high tide with a variety of crabs. Crabs crawl around on the ocean floor and eat just about anything. Crabs often come into tide pools during high tide and scavenge the area when the tide goes out again.

6. Find kelp as a part of any tide pool community. Kelp is not only a food source for plant eating sea creatures, it's also a great place to hide. Kelp use their roots to hold onto nearby rocks using root extensions called hold fasts.