The image shows a close-up view of a rocky surface covered with barnacles and seaweed. The barnacles are small, cone-shaped crustaceans with rough, textured shells that are attached to the rock. They vary in size and are clustered together in groups. The seaweed is greenish-brown, with long, narrow fronds that are also attached to the rock. The surface of the rock is uneven and appears to be wet, suggesting it might be in a tidal zone or near the water. The background is blurred, focusing the attention on the barnacles and seaweed in the foreground.
What is in the Tidepools

What’s in the Tidepools? – December 2024

The image shows a beautiful sunset over the ocean. The sky is filled with dramatic clouds that are illuminated in shades of orange, pink, and purple by the setting sun. The ocean below reflects the colors of the sky, creating a serene and picturesque scene. In the foreground, there is a silhouette of a fence with some posts and wires, adding a contrasting element to the natural beauty of the sunset and ocean.

What’s In the Tidepools? – December 2024

(Sunset – NPS Photo/D. Wieder)

Here is a sampling of what our volunteers observed during this month — thank you to everyone who contributed. Remember to send in your photos; we truly appreciate sharing them with everyone.

Don’t forget to visit the Tidepool Videos page.

Enjoy the virtual visit through the tidepools.

The image shows a small, orange sea star with five short, stubby arms. It is lying on a rocky surface in shallow water. The sea star's surface has a textured, bumpy appearance. The surrounding area is a mix of rock and small marine organisms, with some patches of algae or other growths. There are also a few small holes in the rock, possibly made by marine creatures. The water is clear, allowing a good view of the sea star and the rocky surface beneath it.
NPS Photo/M. Rose – Bat Star
The image shows a starfish nestled among rocks and pebbles in a tide pool or rocky coastal area. The starfish is pinkish-orange in color and has five arms. Surrounding the starfish are various small, smooth stones and pebbles in shades of gray, brown, and beige. The rocks around the starfish are covered with patches of pink and green algae or seaweed, giving the scene a natural and marine appearance.
NPS Photo/T. Woods – Bat Star
The image shows a close-up of a rocky surface with several smooth stones. Among the stones, there is a distinctive object that resembles a vertebra, possibly from a marine animal like a fish or a small whale. It has a central circular section with three protruding arms or extensions. The stones around it vary in color from dark gray to light brown, and there are some strands of seaweed or plant material nearby. The surface of the rocks appears slightly wet, suggesting a coastal or beach setting.
NPS Photo/M. Rose – Dolphin Bones
The image shows a close-up of a section of a vertebral column, likely from an animal, lying on a rocky surface. The vertebrae are light in color and appear to be weathered, with some rough texture and small holes visible. There are also some brownish seaweed or plant stems intertwined with the vertebrae and scattered around the rocks. The rocks are smooth and vary in size and color, mostly in shades of gray and brown. The scene suggests a natural setting, possibly near a beach or a riverbank.
NPS Photo/M. Rose – Dolphin Bones
The image shows a section of a vertebral column, likely from an animal, lying on a bed of rocks and pebbles. The bones are white and appear to be partially covered by dried seaweed or plant material. The rocks surrounding the bones are of various sizes and colors, ranging from light gray to dark gray, and some have a smooth texture. The scene suggests a natural setting, possibly near a beach or riverbank.
NPS Photo/M. Rose – Dolphin Bones
The image shows a tide pool with various marine life. In the center, there is a starfish partially submerged in water. The starfish has a bumpy texture with small, round, raised areas on its surface, which are a bluish-gray color. Surrounding the starfish, there are different types of seaweed and algae in shades of green, brown, and reddish-purple. The water is clear, allowing a view of the rocky and sandy bottom of the tide pool.
NPS Photo/D. Orr – Knobby Sea Star
The image shows a close-up of a turban snail attached to a rock. The barnacle has a conical shape with a rough, textured surface. It is predominantly brown with patches of white and pink, giving it a weathered appearance. There is a noticeable hole near the top of the barnacle. The rock it is attached to is also rough and has some green moss or algae growing on it, suggesting a natural, possibly coastal environment. The lighting in the image highlights the textures and colors of both the barnacle and the rock.
NPS Photo/R. Earls – Wavy Turban Snail
The image shows a white egret standing in shallow water. The bird has a long, slender neck and a pointed beak. Its legs are long and dark, and it is standing in a small area of water with gentle waves and some foam. In the background, there are some rocks partially submerged in the water. The lighting suggests it might be early morning or late afternoon, as the sunlight casts a warm glow on the egret.
NPS Photo/R. Earls – Snowy Egret
The image shows a white egret taking flight over a body of water. The bird has long legs and is captured mid-air with its wings spread wide. Its legs are yellow, and it has a slender neck. In the background, there are large rocks with some dark seaweed or algae on them, and the water has some small waves and foam. The scene appears to be at a coastal area or a rocky shoreline.
NPS Photo/R. Earls – Snowy Egret
The image shows a purple sea urchin underwater. It has long, pointed spines radiating outward from its round body. The sea urchin is resting on a sandy seabed, surrounded by various types of seaweed and marine plants. The water is clear, allowing a detailed view of the sea urchin and its surroundings. The sunlight creates a shimmering effect on the sand and the spines of the sea urchin.
NPS Photo/D. Wieder – Urchin
The image shows an osprey, a large bird of prey, perched on a rocky surface. The bird has a distinctive appearance with a white head, dark eye stripe, and brownish-black wings and back. It is standing amidst some low-growing plants with pinkish-red tips. In the background, there is a chain-link fence against a clear blue sky. The lighting suggests it might be late afternoon or early morning, casting a warm glow on the scene.
NPS Photo/R. Earls – Osprey
The image shows a marine scene with a cowrie shell partially submerged in shallow water. The shell has a smooth, glossy surface with a gradient of colors ranging from a light pinkish hue at the base to a rich, dark brown at the top. It is surrounded by sandy substrate and patches of brownish-red seaweed or algae. The sunlight creates reflections and highlights on the shell and the water, adding to the vibrant appearance of the scene.
NPS Photo/D. Wieder -Chestnut Cowry
The image shows a cluster of small, white, cone-shaped barnacles attached to a rock. The barnacles are densely packed together, forming a thick band across the surface of the rock. The rock itself is rough and has a natural, earthy color with shades of brown and green. There are some strands of green seaweed interspersed among the barnacles. The surrounding area appears to be a sandy or gravelly beach. The lighting suggests it is a sunny day, casting shadows and highlighting the textures of the barnacles and rock.
NPS Photo/R. Earls – Gooseneck Barnacles
The image shows a marine scene with a dark, shiny, and smooth object that resembles a large sea slug or a similar marine creature. It is partially submerged in shallow water, surrounded by various types of seaweed and algae. On the left side, there is a dense patch of long, green sea grass, while other parts of the image show purple and brown algae. The sandy bottom of the water is visible, giving the scene a natural coastal or tide pool appearance. The water is clear, allowing for a good view of the underwater elements.
NPS Photo/D. Wieder – Black Sea Hare
The image shows a close-up of a dark, shiny, and smooth creature that appears to be a sea slug or similar marine animal. It is partially submerged in a shallow, rocky, and sandy area with some algae or seaweed around it. The creature has a rounded body with a pointed end, and its surface is glossy, reflecting light. The environment suggests it is in a tidal pool or coastal area.
NPS Photo/R. Earls – Black Sea Hare
The image shows a serene sunset over the ocean. The sun is low on the horizon, casting a warm golden glow across the sky and reflecting on the water. The sky transitions from a soft orange near the horizon to a clear blue as it extends upward. In the foreground, there is a rocky shoreline with dark, rounded rocks scattered across the scene, partially submerged in shallow water. The overall atmosphere is calm and peaceful.
NPS Photo/T. Woods – Sunset
The image shows a large black sea slug, likely a type of sea hare, resting on a rocky surface in a tide pool. The sea slug has a smooth, shiny texture with some sand particles on its body. It is surrounded by rocks and patches of green algae or seaweed. The tide pool is shallow, with water partially covering the rocks and the sea slug. The overall setting appears to be a coastal area with a mix of marine life.
NPS Photo/T. Woods – Black Sea Hare
The image shows a marine creature, likely a type of sea slug or nudibranch, resting on the ocean floor. It has a rounded, elongated body covered in a pattern of small, circular, raised bumps or tubercles that are orange in color. The surrounding environment includes various types of marine vegetation, such as red and brown seaweeds, and the sandy or rocky substrate of the ocean floor. The creature blends in with its surroundings due to its coloration and texture.
NPS Photo/M. Rose – Sea Pork
The image shows a close-up view of a rocky surface covered with small, circular, orange-brown marine organisms. These organisms appear to be barnacles or similar sea creatures attached to the rock. They have a textured, ridged surface, and are clustered together, giving the rock a bumpy appearance. The surrounding area has a mix of sand, small pebbles, and bits of seaweed or other marine debris. The lighting suggests that the photo was taken in natural sunlight, highlighting the textures and colors of the organisms and the rock.
NPS Photo/M. Rose – Cup Coral
The image shows a close-up of a marine organism, likely a type of sea anemone or coral, attached to a rock surface. The organism is circular with a central, flower-like structure that is a light orange color. Surrounding this central part are petal-like structures that are darker orange and have a spiky appearance. The rock surface is covered with various textures and colors, including patches of pink and brown, which could be other marine life or algae.
NPS Photo/D. Orr – Brooding Anemone
The image shows a dark-colored sea slug, likely a type of sea hare, resting on a sandy and rocky surface in a tide pool. The sea slug has a smooth, elongated body with a slightly rounded shape. The surrounding area is covered with small patches of algae and bits of seaweed, giving a textured appearance to the environment. The sea slug's dark color contrasts with the lighter, sandy background.
NPS Photo/D. Orr – Black Sea Hare
The image shows a close-up of a limpet attached to a rock surface. The limpet has a conical shell with a central peak and radiating ridges. The shell is mostly a light color with darker, irregular patterns. The surrounding rock surface is rough and textured, with some small patches of green, possibly indicating algae or moss. There are also a few small pebbles and bits of debris around the limpet. The lighting suggests it is taken in natural daylight.
NPS Photo/D. Orr – Keyhole Limpet
The image shows a small marine creature, likely a nudibranch or sea slug, in a tide pool. The creature has a dark body with bright orange or yellow stripes running along its length. It is surrounded by various types of marine life, including pinkish coral-like structures and other small aquatic plants or algae. The tide pool water is clear, allowing the rocky and sandy bottom to be visible. The environment appears to be a rocky shoreline or intertidal zone.
NPS Photo/D. Orr – Navanax
The image shows a small, elongated marine creature that appears to be a type of sea slug or flatworm. It has a brownish body with a lighter, almost translucent edge. The creature is situated on a rough, textured surface that looks like a rock or coral, with some patches of pinkish and white areas around it. The overall environment suggests an underwater setting.
NPS Photo/D. Orr – White-Spotted Sea Goddess
The image shows a rocky surface with a brittle star, a type of echinoderm similar to a starfish, resting on it. The brittle star has long, slender arms that are darker in color and contrast with the lighter, textured surface of the rocks. The rocks have patches of white, possibly from lichen or barnacles, and there are some small pools of water around them, suggesting a tide pool environment. The brittle star's arms are spread out across the rocks.
NPS Photo/D. Orr – Brittle Sea Star
The image shows a close-up view of a sea anemone underwater. The anemone has a circular shape with tentacles radiating outward. The tentacles are long, slender, and have a mix of green and brown hues. Some of the tentacles are tipped with a bluish color. The center of the anemone is a darker green with a textured appearance, and there are small bits of sand and debris scattered around and on the anemone. The overall scene has a natural, aquatic feel, with the anemone appearing to be nestled among rocks and other marine life.
NPS Photo/M. Rose – Solitary Anemone
The image shows an underwater scene with a variety of marine life. In the center, there is a small shellfish or mollusk partially buried in the sand. It has a dark, rounded shell with a lighter opening. Surrounding the shellfish are various types of seaweed and aquatic plants, including long, thin green strands and some reddish-brown and purple algae. The sand is visible beneath the water, and the overall scene is a natural underwater habitat.
NPS Photo/D. Hunt – Norris Top Snail
The image shows a limpet, a type of marine mollusk, attached to a rock. The limpet has a conical shell with a distinct opening at the top. The shell is mostly light-colored with a darker, patterned edge. The rock surface around the limpet is covered with patches of green algae and other small marine organisms. The texture of the rock is rough, and there are small bits of sand and debris scattered around.
NPS Photo/T. Woods – Keyhole Limpet
The image shows a marine environment, likely a tide pool, with various types of seaweed and marine life. In the center of the image, there is a sea anemone with a pinkish-orange hue. The anemone has a round shape with a central disc and tentacles surrounding it. The surrounding area is covered with different kinds of seaweed and algae, mostly in shades of brown and pink. The water is clear, allowing a good view of the underwater scene.
NPS Photo/T. Woods – Brooding Anemone
The image shows a close-up view of a tide pool with various types of seaweed and marine life. In the center, there is a small, bright pink sea anemone with tentacles radiating outward. The surrounding area is covered with brown and purple seaweed, and the sandy bottom of the tide pool is visible through the clear water. There are also patches of green algae scattered around. The scene is well-lit, suggesting it is taken during the day.
NPS Photo/T. Woods – Hopkins Rose Nudibranch
The image shows a small tide pool with a starfish and a sea anemone. The starfish is orange and has five arms, lying on the sandy bottom of the pool. Nearby, there is a sea anemone with a greenish color and tentacles surrounding its mouth. The pool is surrounded by rocks and seaweed, with some green sea grass visible in the water. The setting appears to be a rocky shoreline or beach area.
NPS Photo/T. Woods – Bat Star
The image shows a marine scene with a large, round, beige-colored sea creature attached to a rock. The creature resembles a sea snail or a limpet, with a spiral pattern visible at its center. It is partially submerged in shallow water, surrounded by various small rocks and pebbles on the sandy bottom. The rock it is attached to is covered with different types of marine algae and possibly coral, displaying a mix of colors including purples, greens, and browns. The water is clear, allowing a good view of the underwater details.
NPS Photo/T. Woods – Keyhole Limpet
The image shows a sea anemone on a sandy beach. The anemone is circular and has a fleshy, translucent appearance with a mix of pale yellow and pink colors. It is partially submerged in a shallow pool of water, surrounded by wet sand and a piece of brown seaweed. The sand has small pebbles and shells scattered around. The anemone's tentacles are visible, radiating from the center.
NPS Photo/T. Woods – Solitary Anemone
The image shows a small underwater scene, likely in a tide pool or shallow coastal area. There is a rocky surface at the top of the image, covered with small marine organisms and algae. Below, in the water, there are various rocks and pebbles of different sizes and colors. Among these rocks, there is a lobster or a similar crustacean partially hidden under the rocky overhang. The water is clear, allowing a good view of the rocks and the creature beneath the surface.
NPS Photo/T. Woods – Spiny Lobster
The image shows a serene view of a cityscape at dusk or dawn. The sky is painted in soft pastel colors, transitioning from a light pink at the horizon to a pale blue higher up. A full moon is visible in the sky, casting a gentle glow. Below, the city is visible with a variety of buildings, and there is a body of water in the foreground, possibly a bay or a river. The scene is calm and peaceful, with a slight haze over the city, adding to the tranquil atmosphere.
NPS Photo/T. Woods – Sunset
The image shows a close-up of a sandy area with various small stones and pebbles scattered around. In the center, there is a larger, smooth stone with a heart-shaped indentation carved into it. The indentation is filled with sand, and the surrounding area is a mix of sand and small, rounded stones. The overall color palette is earthy, with shades of brown, beige, and gray.
NPS Photo/R. Earls – Rock with Heart Shaped Hole
The image shows a rocky shoreline with two large, dark, shiny sea slugs resting on the rocks. The sea slugs are black and have a smooth, glossy texture, with one positioned towards the bottom left and the other towards the top right of the image. The rocks are covered with patches of green algae and brownish seaweed, and there is some water pooled around the rocks, indicating a tidal area. The surrounding environment appears to be a natural coastal habitat.
NPS Photo/T. Woods –
The image shows a starfish nestled among rocks and seaweed in a tide pool. The starfish has a distinctive appearance with its body covered in small, round, colorful nodules that are predominantly blue and white. Surrounding the starfish are various types of seaweed, including dark brown and reddish-brown strands, as well as some green algae. The rocks and seaweed are wet, indicating the presence of water in the tide pool. The scene captures a natural marine environment, likely along a rocky shoreline.
NPS Photo/T. Woods – Knobby Sea Star
The image shows a rocky shoreline with two dark, shiny, and smooth objects that appear to be sea slugs or similar marine creatures. They are nestled among rocks and seaweed, partially submerged in shallow water. The surrounding rocks are covered with patches of algae and small marine plants, giving the scene a natural and rugged appearance. The lighting suggests it is a sunny day, as there are shadows and highlights on the rocks and creatures.
NPS Photo/T. Woods – Sea Hares
The image shows a sandy beach area with various types of seaweed and marine debris scattered around. In the center of the image, there is a round, yellowish-green object that resembles a sea sponge or a type of marine organism. The surrounding area is covered with small pieces of brown and green seaweed, as well as some small shells and sand particles. The lighting suggests it is a sunny day, casting shadows on the sand.
NPS Photo/T. Woods – Sea Bubble
The image shows a close-up view of a rocky surface covered with barnacles and seaweed. The barnacles are small, cone-shaped crustaceans with rough, textured shells that are attached to the rock. They vary in size and are clustered together in groups. The seaweed is greenish-brown, with long, narrow fronds that are also attached to the rock. The surface of the rock is uneven and appears to be wet, suggesting it might be in a tidal zone or near the water. The background is blurred, focusing the attention on the barnacles and seaweed in the foreground.
NPS Photo/R. Earls – Thatched Barnacles
The image shows a sea anemone partially submerged in shallow water. The anemone has a circular shape with numerous tentacles radiating outward. The tentacles are a mix of green and brown colors, giving it a natural, earthy appearance. The anemone is nestled against a rock, which is covered in small patches of green algae and other marine growth. The sandy bottom of the water is visible, with some small bits of seaweed and debris scattered around. The overall scene is a close-up view of a tide pool environment.
NPS Photo/R. Earls – Solitary Anemone
The image shows a rocky shoreline with large boulders in the foreground. In the distance, there is a group of birds, likely seagulls or pelicans, gathered on the shore near the water. Further out on the water, a sailboat with its sail up is visible against the hazy sky. A single bird is flying in the sky above the scene. The overall atmosphere is calm and misty, suggesting an early morning or late afternoon setting.
NPS Photo/R. Earls – Pelicans
The image shows a beautiful sunset over the ocean. The sky is filled with dramatic clouds that are illuminated in shades of orange, pink, and purple by the setting sun. The ocean below reflects the colors of the sky, creating a serene and picturesque scene. In the foreground, there is a silhouette of a fence with some posts and wires, adding a contrasting element to the natural beauty of the sunset and ocean.
NPS Photo/D. Wieder – Sunset
The image shows a close-up view of a rocky surface covered with barnacles. The barnacles are cone-shaped and have a rough, textured surface. They are clustered together, with some appearing larger than others. The barnacles have a mix of colors, including shades of brown, green, and pinkish hues. There are also small bits of shell fragments and other marine debris scattered around them. The lighting suggests that the scene is outdoors, possibly at a coastal area during low tide.
NPS Photo/R. Earls – Thatched Barnacles
The image shows a cluster of mussels attached to a rocky surface, likely in a coastal or marine environment. The mussels have dark shells with brown and black stripes, and they are tightly packed together. Among the mussels, there are also some barnacles, which are small, white, and have a rough, textured appearance. The scene is natural and suggests a habitat where these sea creatures thrive.
NPS Photo/R. Earls – Gooseneck Barnacles and Mussels
The image shows a small, white sea creature, likely a sea slug or nudibranch, in a shallow tide pool. The creature has a soft, oval-shaped body with several dark circular spots on its back. It is resting on a sandy surface underwater, with some green seaweed and other marine vegetation visible around the edges of the pool. The water is clear, allowing a good view of the creature and the sandy bottom.
NPS Photo/D. Orr – San Diego Dorid
The image shows a close-up view of a sandy beach area with a small pool of water. In the center, there is a sea creature, possibly a sea anemone or a similar marine organism, partially submerged in the water. It is covered with green seaweed and other marine vegetation. The surrounding sand is dotted with small pieces of shells and other marine debris. There are also patches of reddish-brown and green seaweed scattered around the area. The water is clear, allowing a good view of the creature and the surrounding sand.
NPS Photo/D. Hunt – Wavy Turban Snail
The image shows a small marine scene, likely in a shallow tide pool. At the center, there is a seashell partially covered with a cluster of reddish-brown seaweed or algae. The shell is resting on a sandy or rocky surface that is submerged in clear water, allowing sunlight to create rippling patterns on the surface. Surrounding the shell are small pebbles and other bits of marine life, including some small, round, barnacle-like organisms attached to the rocks. The overall color palette is earthy, with shades of brown, tan, and muted reds.
NPS Photo/D. Hunt – Kellet’s Whelk Snail
The image shows an underwater scene with a sandy or rocky bottom. In the center, there is a round, orange-brown object that resembles a sponge or coral. Surrounding this object are various strands of seaweed or aquatic plants, which are green and reddish-brown in color. The water appears clear, allowing the details of the sand and plants to be visible.
NPS Photo/D. Orr – Pacific Sea Pork
The image shows a small, bright red sea slug or nudibranch resting on a piece of brownish-yellow seaweed or coral. The sea slug has a textured, bumpy surface and small, delicate appendages that resemble tiny branches or fronds, which are likely its gills. The background includes other marine life, such as pinkish coral or algae, and the scene is underwater, giving it a slightly distorted appearance due to the water's surface. The overall setting is a marine environment, possibly a tide pool or shallow coastal area.
NPS Photo/D. Orr – Dwarf Sea Cucumber
The image shows a close-up view of a rocky tide pool. In the center, there is a large, oval-shaped shell of a marine creature, possibly a chiton, with distinct, segmented plates. The shell is partially embedded in the rock and surrounded by various types of seaweed and marine algae, which have a purplish hue. The water is clear, allowing a good view of the details beneath the surface, including small rocks and other marine life forms scattered around. The overall scene is a natural marine habitat, typical of a coastal tide pool.
NPS Photo/D. Orr – Conspicuous Chiton
The image shows a close-up view of a rocky surface with various small natural elements scattered around. In the center left, there is a small, round, brownish shell, possibly a snail shell. To the right of the shell, there is a bright pink, spiky object that resembles a small sea creature, perhaps a sea anemone or a nudibranch. The surface is covered with small pebbles, bits of shells, and some thin, dark strands that look like seaweed or plant material. The overall texture is rough and natural, typical of a coastal or beach environment.
NPS Photo/D. Orr – Hopkins Rose Nudibranch
The image shows a close-up view of a tide pool. In the center, there is a sea anemone with its tentacles spread out in a circular pattern. The tentacles are a mix of green and beige colors, and they are adorned with small bits of shell and sand. Surrounding the anemone, there are various types of seaweed and algae, mostly in shades of red and purple. The sandy bottom of the tide pool is visible, with small pebbles and grains of sand scattered around. There are also a few thin, green strands of sea grass or algae extending across the scene.
NPS Photo/R. Earls – Heart Shaped Anemone
The image shows a small octopus in a shallow tide pool. The octopus is mostly submerged in water, with its tentacles spread out. The surrounding area includes various rocks, shells, and seaweed. There is a mix of colors, with the octopus being a dark brownish color, and the rocks and shells in shades of white, pink, and beige. Some green grass and red seaweed are also visible around the edges of the tide pool.
NPS Photo/D. Orr – Two Spot Octopus
The image shows a starfish underwater. It is orange in color and has five arms. The starfish is resting on a sandy and rocky surface, which is covered with some green algae and small pebbles. There are also a few small shells and marine life visible around it, including some barnacles and possibly small mussels. The water is clear enough to see these details, but there is a slight distortion from the water's surface.
NPS Photo/R. Earls – Bat Star
The image shows a starfish in a shallow tide pool. The starfish is orange with a rough, textured surface and five arms. It is partially submerged in water, surrounded by various types of seaweed and small pebbles on the sandy bottom. There is a small, light-colored shell resting on top of the starfish. The water is clear, allowing a good view of the starfish and its surroundings.
NPS Photo/R. Earls – Bat Star
The image shows a close-up of a seashell lying on a sandy surface. The shell is smooth and glossy, with a predominantly cream color and a distinctive brown band running along its length. The surrounding area has some small patches of green and brown seaweed or plant material scattered on the sand. The shell appears to be a cowrie, known for its shiny and polished appearance.
NPS Photo/R. Earls – Cowrie
The image shows a cluster of orange, noodle-like sea creatures or organisms attached to a rocky surface. They appear to be hanging down from the underside of a rock, possibly in a tide pool or coastal area. The surrounding rock is covered with various types of marine life, including small, spiky sea urchins or similar organisms. The environment is moist, suggesting it is near water, and there are small patches of green algae or seaweed visible on the rocks.
NPS Photo/R. Earls – Sea Hare Eggs
The image shows an underwater scene featuring a small, colorful shell resting on a sandy and rocky surface. The shell has a spiral shape with a mix of colors, including green, pink, and a hint of yellow. Surrounding the shell are small bits of sand, tiny shells, and some red and green aquatic plants. The water appears slightly murky, giving the scene a natural, underwater ambiance.
NPS Photo/R. Earls – Murex Snail
The image shows an underwater scene featuring a sea anemone. The anemone is centrally located and has a circular shape with numerous tentacles. The tentacles are a mix of green and purple hues, giving it a vibrant appearance. Surrounding the anemone are various types of marine life, including rocks, shells, and different kinds of seaweed or algae, which are mostly in shades of brown, red, and purple. The overall setting appears to be a tide pool or a shallow marine environment.
NPS Photo/R. Earls – Solitary Anemone
The image shows a close-up view of a rocky surface covered with barnacles and other marine organisms. The barnacles are cone-shaped and have a rough texture, with some displaying a mix of green and reddish hues. The surface is uneven and appears to be part of a tide pool or coastal area, with various small shells and bits of marine life scattered around. The overall appearance is natural and organic, typical of a rocky shoreline environment.
NPS Photo/R. Earls – Thatched Barnacles
The image shows a sea anemone submerged in water, likely in a tide pool. The anemone has a circular shape with numerous tentacles radiating outward. The tentacles are a mix of translucent blue and green hues with pinkish tips. The center of the anemone is a darker shade, with a pattern that resembles a starburst. Surrounding the anemone are various types of marine life, including algae and small rocks, contributing to a natural underwater setting.
NPS Photo/R. Earls – Solitary Anemone
The image shows an underwater scene featuring a sea anemone. The anemone has a circular shape with numerous tentacles that are light green with hints of purple and blue. The tentacles are arranged around a central disc, which is a slightly darker shade of green. The anemone is attached to a rock or a similar surface on the ocean floor, surrounded by various types of seaweed and algae, which are mostly reddish-brown in color. The sandy ocean floor is visible, with small bits of shell and debris scattered around.
NPS Photo/R. Earls – Looks like an Solitary Anemone eating a rock
The image shows a coastal scene with a rocky shoreline and the ocean in the background. The sky is overcast with clouds. In the foreground, there is dry vegetation on a cliff overlooking the beach area. The beach is rocky with tide pools, and there are several people scattered around, exploring the area. The waves are gently crashing onto the rocks, creating a natural and serene atmosphere. The landscape has a rugged and natural beauty, with earthy tones dominating the scene.
NPS Photo/R. Earls – Tidepool Overlook
The image shows a close-up view of a tide pool at the beach. On the left side, there is a cluster of dark red and brown seaweed or algae attached to the rock surface. The water is clear, revealing the sandy bottom with small pebbles and shells scattered around. There is a long, thin piece of green seaweed or grass lying across the pool. In the lower right corner, a small snail shell is visible on the sand. The overall scene captures the natural marine life and textures found in a tide pool environment.
NPS Photo/S. Kristiansen – Banded Brittle Star
The image shows a small section of a shallow tide pool. In the center, there is a brittle star, a type of echinoderm, with a small central disc and five slender, flexible arms. The arms are orange with a slightly darker central line. The brittle star is resting on a long, light brown shell or piece of driftwood. Surrounding it are various rocks and pebbles of different sizes and colors, including grey, brown, and reddish tones. The sandy bottom of the pool is visible, and the water is clear, allowing a good view of the scene.
NPS Photo/S. Kristiansen – Brittle Star

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