A bright red crab is partially submerged in shallow water, surrounded by various types of seaweed and marine plants. The crab's claws and legs are clearly visible, and its body is a vivid red color, contrasting with the sandy and rocky seabed. The water is clear, allowing a good view of the crab and its surroundings.
What is in the Tidepools

What’s in the Tidepools? – February 2025

A starfish with a textured, orange-brown surface is resting on a bed of green sea grass. The sea grass is submerged in shallow water, and the starfish's five arms are spread out evenly. The water is clear, allowing the details of the sea grass and the starfish to be visible.

What’s In the Tidepools? – February 2025

(Bat Star – NPS Photo/P. Geisler)

Here is a sampling of what our volunteers observed during this busy 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 and our YouTube page.

Enjoy the virtual visit through the tidepools.

A marine creature, possibly a nudibranch or sea slug, is resting on a rock in shallow water. It has a flat, oval-shaped body with a light pinkish hue and is covered in black spots. The surrounding area consists of a sandy or rocky substrate, and the water is clear enough to see the details of the creature and its environment.
Black and White Dorid – NPS Photo/D. Orr
A shrimp is submerged in water, surrounded by aquatic plants. The shrimp has a speckled, translucent body that blends with its surroundings. The water is clear, allowing a view of the green and brown plant life, as well as some pinkish coral-like structures nearby. The shrimp's long antennae and segmented body are visible, and it appears to be resting among the plants.
Smooth Bay Shrimp – NPS Photo/M. Rose
A bright orange starfish with five arms rests on a sandy and rocky surface in a shallow tide pool. The surrounding area is covered with various marine life, including green algae, small anemones, and other sea plants. The water is clear, allowing a good view of the starfish and the textured surface beneath it.
Bat Star – NPS Photo/T. Woods
A large, brown sea creature, possibly a sea slug or sea hare, is resting on a rocky and sandy surface. Its body is elongated and has a mottled pattern with darker spots. The creature's back is slightly raised, and it has a circular, lighter-colored area in the center, which might be part of its anatomy or a shell. Surrounding the creature are various small stones, pebbles, and bits of shell, with some larger rocks partially covered in algae or seaweed. The area appears to be a tide pool or a coastal environment.
Keyhole Limpet – NPS Photo/T. Woods
A starfish with vibrant colors is nestled among rocks and seaweed. Its body is covered in small, round, raised bumps that are blue with pink centers, creating a striking pattern against its brown and beige skin. The surrounding area is a mix of rocky textures and reddish-brown seaweed.
Knobby Sea Star – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
A bright yellow sea snail with a spiral shell is partially submerged in water. The shell has a smooth, shiny surface with a gradient of yellow and white colors. Small bubbles cling to the shell, and the snail is resting on a bed of green seagrass. The seagrass is long and thin, with some sand particles visible on it.
Yellow Umbrella Slug – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
A large, rough-textured abalone shell is nestled among rocks and seaweed. The shell is oval-shaped with a series of small, evenly spaced holes along one edge. Its surface is mottled with earthy tones of brown and green, blending with the surrounding natural elements. Various types of seaweed, including some reddish and green strands, are visible around the shell, and the sandy ground is partially visible beneath.
Abalone – NPS Photo/M. Rose
A large, translucent, brownish seaweed or kelp pod is lying on wet sand. It has a smooth, shiny surface with a slightly elongated, oval shape. The pod is partially submerged in shallow water, and there are some green seaweed strands and other marine vegetation around it. The sand beneath is light-colored with small grains.
Swell Shark Egg – NPS Photo/M. Rose
A heron stands gracefully on a rocky shoreline covered in seaweed and algae. The bird is positioned near the center of the scene, with its long neck extended and its body facing to the right. The ocean stretches out in the background, with gentle waves and a clear horizon line. A large rock is visible in the foreground on the left side of the image. The lighting suggests a bright day, casting soft shadows and highlighting the textures of the seaweed and the heron's feathers.
Egret – NPS Photo/M. Rose
A bright red crab is partially submerged in shallow water, surrounded by various types of seaweed and marine plants. The crab's claws and legs are clearly visible, and its body is a vivid red color, contrasting with the sandy and rocky seabed. The water is clear, allowing a good view of the crab and its surroundings.
Southern Kelp Crab – NPS Photo/D. Orr
A small tide pool scene with a green sea anemone and a tiny red starfish on a sandy surface. The sea anemone has a circular shape with tentacles radiating outward, while the starfish has a classic five-arm shape. The surrounding area includes some rocks and patches of seaweed or algae.
Anemone and Bat Star – NPS Photo/T. Woods
A camouflaged fish is nestled among rocks and shells in a shallow tide pool. Its body blends well with the surrounding environment, making it difficult to spot at first glance. The water is clear, allowing a good view of the various textures and colors of the rocks, shells, and seaweed around it.
Woolly Sculpin – NPS Photo/T. Woods
A sea anemone submerged in shallow water, surrounded by green seagrass. The anemone has a circular shape with a vibrant green center and radiating tentacles that are light green with hints of purple and white. The sandy and rocky seabed is visible beneath the water, and there are some small patches of pinkish coral or algae nearby.
Anemone – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
A serene coastal scene with the sun low in the sky, casting a bright reflection on the ocean. The sky is partly cloudy, with a mix of light and darker clouds. Three birds are flying in formation across the sky. The ocean has gentle waves rolling towards a rocky shoreline. In the foreground, there is a dry, grassy area leading to the edge of the water.
Afternoon – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
A bright orange starfish with five arms is lying on a rocky surface. The starfish is surrounded by various types of seaweed and marine vegetation, which are mostly brown and pinkish in color. The surface appears to be wet, suggesting it might be in a tidal pool or a similar marine environment.
Bat Star – NPS Photo/D. Orr
A small, red shrimp with long antennae is resting on a rocky surface underwater. The water is clear, allowing the details of the shrimp and the surrounding rocks and seaweed to be visible. The shrimp has a segmented body with distinct patterns and is surrounded by various types of seaweed and algae. The reflection of the sky and some plants can be seen on the water's surface.
Red Rock Shrimp – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
A sea anemone submerged in shallow water, surrounded by rocks and some algae. The anemone has a circular shape with a central mouth and numerous tentacles radiating outward. The tentacles are a mix of green and blue hues, with some hints of yellow and white. The surface of the water is clear, allowing a detailed view of the anemone and the surrounding rocky environment.
Solitary Anemone – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
A white bird, possibly an egret, is standing on a rocky area near the shore. The water is flowing over the rocks, creating small waves and ripples. The background shows more water with white foamy waves. The scene is set in a coastal environment with natural light reflecting off the water's surface.
Snowy Egret – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
A cloudy sky over a rocky coastline with waves gently rolling onto the shore. The sun is partially visible through the clouds, creating a bright spot in the sky. In the foreground, there is a path running parallel to the coastline, surrounded by low vegetation and shrubs. The overall atmosphere is calm and serene.
Marine Layer – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
A small lobster is partially submerged in a shallow pool of water, surrounded by rocks and pebbles. The water is clear, allowing a view of the lobster's body and the rocky bottom. On the left side, there is a section of rock covered in seaweed or algae, adding texture and color to the scene. The lobster's antennae and legs are visible, and it appears to be nestled among the rocks.
Spiny Lobster – NPS Photo/T. Woods
A small, orange starfish is resting on a wet, rocky surface. The surrounding area is a mix of sand, small pebbles, and shells, with some larger rocks visible. The starfish has a classic five-arm shape and is positioned in the center of the image. The texture of the rocks and sand is rough and natural, indicating a coastal or tidal environment.
Bat Star – NPS Photo/T. Woods
A close-up view of an abalone shell partially embedded in a rocky and sandy environment. The shell has a rough, textured surface with several small holes along its top. Surrounding the shell are various types of marine vegetation, including green and reddish-brown seaweed. The area appears to be part of a tide pool or coastal rock formation.
Abalone – NPS Photo/M. Rose
Close-up view of a seashell with intricate, wavy patterns on its surface. The shell has a textured appearance with alternating ridges and grooves, creating a visually interesting pattern. The colors are primarily shades of white and light beige, with some darker areas in the grooves. The background is slightly blurred, with hints of green and brown, possibly indicating a natural setting like a beach or tide pool.
Boring Clam – NPS Photo/M. Rose
A large, smooth, and glossy sea snail shell with a gradient of colors ranging from light brown to dark brown, with some white areas. The shell is submerged in shallow water, resting on sandy ground. There are small patches of green algae and a few small rocks nearby. The shell has a pointed end with two small protrusions, likely the snail's tentacles.
Chestnut Cowry – NPS Photo/M. Rose
Close-up view of a tide pool or rocky crevice at the beach. The image shows a starfish with blue and white tube feet clinging to the underside of a rock. The rock surface is covered with various marine organisms, including barnacles and algae. The water in the pool is calm, reflecting the surrounding environment. The scene captures the intricate details of marine life in a coastal habitat.
Knobby Sea Star – NPS Photo/D. Orr
Close-up view of a shrimp partially submerged in water. The shrimp has a translucent body with speckled patterns of brown and black. Its eyes are visible, and its long antennae extend outward. The surrounding environment includes some aquatic plants and possibly algae, with hints of pinkish and greenish hues. The water surface creates a slight reflection and distortion of the shrimp's body.
Smooth Bay Shrimp – NPS Photo/M. Rose
A close-up view of a smooth, elongated, and slightly curved object submerged in shallow water. The object has a gradient of colors ranging from light brown to pinkish hues, with a glossy surface that reflects light. Small air bubbles are scattered across the surface, and a few grains of sand are visible on and around the object. There are also some strands of green seaweed or aquatic plants nearby, partially submerged in the water. The surrounding area consists of sandy and rocky textures.
Swell Shark Egg – NPS Photo/M. Rose
A small sea slug, known as a nudibranch, is resting on a rocky surface underwater. The nudibranch has a striking appearance with a light blue body and several brown appendages with white spots. The surrounding area is covered with green algae and small bits of sand and rock, creating a natural marine environment.
Opalescent Nudibranch – NPS Photo/D. Orr
A close-up view of a seashell lying on a rocky surface. The shell is predominantly white with some brownish discoloration and features intricate, wavy ridges running along its surface. The shell appears to be slightly broken at the top, revealing a small opening. Surrounding the shell are patches of green moss or algae, adding a natural, earthy feel to the scene.
Boring Clam – NPS Photo/M. Rose
A person wearing a navy blue jacket and a cap is standing next to a person in a large dolphin costume. The dolphin costume is gray and white, with a big smile and large eyes, and is wearing a ranger-style hat. The person in the jacket is giving a thumbs-up gesture. They are outside, in front of a building with large windows. The windows have text on them, partially visible, reading "Visitor Center" and "Park Store." In the background, there is a view of the ocean and distant mountains, with a clear blue sky. Other people are visible in the distance, some also wearing ranger-style hats.
Whale Watch Weekend – NPS Photo/M. Rose
A sea anemone submerged in water, surrounded by various aquatic plants and algae. The anemone has a light, creamy color with tentacles that have pinkish tips. The water is clear, allowing a view of the rocky and sandy surface beneath. Long, thin strands of green seaweed or grass are draped across the scene.
Anemone – NPS Photo/T. Woods
A large sea anemone is attached to a rock in a tide pool. The anemone has numerous long, slender, dark green tentacles that are slightly curled at the ends. The rock surface is rough and covered with patches of algae and small marine organisms. The surrounding water is shallow and clear, revealing more rocks and marine life beneath the surface.
Dead Mans Fingers – NPS Photo/T. Woods
A dark brown crab is partially hidden in a crevice between rocks. The crab's shell is shiny and wet, suggesting it is in a damp or aquatic environment. Its claws and legs are tucked close to its body, and the surrounding rocks have a rough texture with some small bits of debris.
Abalone epipodium tentacles – NPS Photo/M. Rose
A brittle star with long, slender arms is resting in a shallow tide pool. The water is clear, revealing a rocky and algae-covered surface beneath. The surrounding area is a mix of green algae and brownish rocks, with some small shells and marine debris scattered around. The brittle star's central disc is small compared to its long arms, which are slightly curled at the tips.
Brittle Star – NPS Photo/T. Woods
A small, yellowish-orange sea slug is nestled among rocks and sand on the ocean floor. The slug has a smooth, elongated body with a slightly darker shade on its back. Surrounding the slug are various marine elements, including green algae, small shells, and pinkish patches on the rocks, likely indicating the presence of encrusting marine life. The environment appears to be a shallow, rocky seabed.
Monterey Dorid – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
A small tide pool with a variety of marine life. There are patches of green and brown seaweed, and the rocks are covered with pink and yellowish algae. The water is clear, revealing a sandy bottom with some small bubbles and a few tiny marine creatures. The surface of the water reflects some light, creating a shiny appearance.
Brittle Star – NPS Photo/T. Woods
A rocky shoreline with a variety of marine life. There is a large, dark sea cucumber partially submerged in water, surrounded by green seaweed and some bubbles on the water's surface. Nearby, a limpet shell is attached to the rock, and there are patches of pink and brown algae scattered around. The rock surface is uneven, with small patches of green moss or algae growing on it.
Sea Hare and Keyhole Limpet – NPS Photo/T. Woods
A solitary bird with a long neck and beak stands on a rocky shoreline. The background features ocean waves crashing against the shore, and the sky is overcast, giving a muted tone to the scene. The rocks appear to be covered in seaweed or algae, adding texture to the landscape.
Egret – NPS Photo/T. Woods
A close-up view of a rocky, sandy surface with various textures and colors. There is a small, bright pink sea anemone or similar marine organism attached to the surface, standing out against the muted tones of the surrounding area. The rocks and sand have a mix of brown, gray, and orange hues, with some areas appearing wet or covered in a thin layer of water. There are also some small, dark, and shiny areas that might be seaweed or other marine life.
Hopkins Rose – NPS Photo/T. Woods
A starfish with a textured, orange surface is partially submerged in shallow water. It is resting on a sandy surface with small pebbles and grains of sand visible. There are some dark, leafy sea plants nearby, and the water is clear, allowing a good view of the starfish and its surroundings.
Bat Star – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
A bright orange sanemone, is shown in close-up. Its body is covered with intricate, textured patterns. On its back, there are several translucent, tentacle-like appendages with white tips, resembling small anemones. The background is a blurred mix of dark and light colors, suggesting an underwater environment.
Brooding Anemone- NPS Photo/D. Orr
A vibrant underwater scene featuring a colorful sea slug, known as a nudibranch. The nudibranch has a striking appearance with a purple body and pinkish-white cerata (spiky appendages) along its back. It is situated on a rocky and algae-covered seabed, surrounded by various types of marine vegetation, including red and green algae. The overall setting is rich in texture and color, highlighting the diversity of marine life.
Spanish Shawl- NPS Photo/D. Orr
A starfish with a textured, orange-brown surface is resting on a bed of green sea grass. The sea grass is submerged in shallow water, and the starfish's five arms are spread out evenly. The water is clear, allowing the details of the sea grass and the starfish to be visible.
Bat Star – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
A starfish with a reddish-orange color is resting on a sandy seabed. Its five arms are spread out, and it is positioned next to a rock covered with dark red and brown algae. The texture of the starfish's skin appears bumpy and rough. The surrounding area is underwater, with clear visibility of the sand and rock formations.
Bat Star – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
A small, vibrant pink sea anemone with numerous tentacles is nestled among sand and small pebbles. The surrounding area includes some reddish-brown seaweed and other small marine debris. The water is clear, allowing a detailed view of the anemone and its surroundings.
Hopkins Rose – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
A rocky tidal pool area with various types of seaweed and marine life. In the center, a starfish with orange and white spots is nestled among the rocks and seaweed. The surrounding area is covered with brown and green seaweed, and there is a small pool of water reflecting light in the bottom left corner. The textures of the rocks and seaweed create a natural and rugged appearance.
Knobby Sea Star – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
A bright yellow sea sponge is attached to a rocky surface underwater. The sponge has a porous texture with several small holes and a slightly irregular shape. The surrounding area consists of various rocks and marine debris, with some patches of algae or other small marine organisms. The overall environment appears to be a natural underwater habitat.
Monterey Dorid – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
A shiny, smooth seashell partially embedded in wet sand. The shell has a glossy surface with a gradient of colors, transitioning from a dark brown at the top to a lighter, almost white shade at the bottom. Surrounding the shell are small patches of green seaweed and other tiny shells scattered across the sandy surface. The sand appears damp, with a mix of fine grains and small pebbles.
Chestnut Cowry – NPS Photo/T. Woods
A scenic view of a coastal landscape with a clear blue sky. In the foreground, there is a variety of green and dry shrubs covering the ground. In the distance, a hill rises gently, topped with a lighthouse and a few other structures. A large tree stands near the lighthouse. The ocean is visible beyond the hill, extending to the horizon. The lighting suggests it might be early morning or late afternoon, casting a soft glow over the scene.
Marine Layer – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
A small, reddish-brown shrimp is camouflaged among the rocks and pebbles in a shallow pool of water. The water is clear, allowing the details of the shrimp and the surrounding stones to be visible. The shrimp has long antennae and is positioned on a light-colored, smooth stone. The surrounding rocks vary in size and color, with some having barnacles or other small marine growths on them.
Red Rock Shrimp – NPS Photo/D. Orr
Clusters of gooseneck barnacles attached to a rocky surface. The barnacles have elongated, white shells with dark bases, and they are tightly packed together. The rock surface is uneven and has a mix of colors, including shades of brown, beige, and some darker patches. There are also small patches of green algae or seaweed interspersed among the barnacles.
Gooseneck Barnacles – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
A serene landscape with the sun setting or rising above a layer of clouds, casting a warm glow across the sky. In the foreground, there are green shrubs and several cacti, adding a natural element to the scene. The sky transitions from a soft blue at the top to a golden hue near the horizon, creating a peaceful and picturesque view.
Marine Layer – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
A tide pool scene with various marine life and vegetation. At the top left, there is a large sea anemone with a circular, eye-like appearance, featuring a white center surrounded by brownish-orange tentacles. The surrounding area is filled with sand, small rocks, and patches of green algae. In the lower part of the image, there are long, green sea grasses and some pinkish coral-like structures. The water is shallow and clear, allowing a view of the diverse textures and colors of the underwater environment.
Sea Hare and Keyhole Limpet – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
A dark, slug-like creature partially submerged in a shallow pool of water. Its body is elongated and appears to be covered in a rough, textured surface. The creature is surrounded by sandy and rocky terrain, with some green algae or seaweed nearby. Thin, green strands of grass or seaweed are visible across the water's surface. The water is clear, allowing the sandy bottom to be seen.
Black Sea Hare – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
A small crab is nestled among long, green seaweed strands. The crab has a rough, textured shell with a mix of brown and reddish hues. Its legs and claws are visible, and the seaweed is wet, with droplets of water glistening on the surface. The crab appears to be partially submerged in water.
Rock Crab – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
A cluster of small, tubular seashells attached to a rocky surface. The shells are light brown and beige, with some darker areas, and they appear to be empty. There is some green algae and brown seaweed around the shells, adding texture and color to the scene. The surface is uneven and appears to be part of a natural coastal environment.
Scaly Tube Snails – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
A close-up view of a brownish-green seaweed or kelp floating on water. On the surface of the seaweed, there are several small, translucent, jelly-like blobs with tiny, elongated creatures inside them. These creatures appear to be small marine organisms, possibly fish or larvae, with a light brown color and a slightly curved shape. The water around the seaweed is clear, reflecting light and showing some green plant stems.
Mysis shrimp on Kelp – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
A close-up view of a cluster of translucent, worm-like creatures. They appear to be intertwined and are light brown in color. The background is a mix of dark brown and greenish hues, suggesting a natural environment, possibly under a log or in a damp area. The creatures have a shiny, moist appearance.
Sea Hare Eggs – NPS Photo/M. Rose

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