5 Amazing Animals You Can Find in Rockpools

Get ready for your next coastal adventure! Did you know that your next rockpooling trip can unveil a vibrant hidden world? Rockpools are not just tidal puddles; they are essential, self-contained ecosystems, offering a crucial lifeline for organisms that require constant submersion in water. Beyond that, these miniature marine habitats play a vital role in the development, growth, and reproduction of countless marine species. For many, one of the greatest joys of school or family trips to the beach is the fascinating activity of rockpooling. These thriving microcosms remain packed with exciting plants and animals that live in rockpools.

Here are some incredible animals you can find in rockpools at the beach:

Limpets in a rockpool

Limpets

Among the fascinating animals that live in rockpools, limpets are truly the VIPs, or “kings of the clingers.” These unassuming gastropods boast some of the most muscular tissues of any animal, allowing them to hold onto rocks with astonishing force – reportedly around 75 lbs per square inch!

Limpets typically hide and graze on seaweed seedlings and algae from the rock surfaces, using their sharp, rasp-like tongues (radula). A fascinating quirk of limpets is that their shell shape is never fixed. Their shell’s contour is influenced by factors like wave flow, their stress levels, and how long they remain exposed out of the water during low tide. A well-fed and relaxed limpet tends to have shallower, more even contours to its shell.

Many-Arm Sea Star

Among the more distinctive animals that live in rockpools is the Many-Arm Sea Star (Astropecten polyacanthus). Unlike the more common five-armed starfish, this species, as its name suggests, often boasts a greater number of arms – sometimes up to 12 or more, though five is still common. While they might seem like something from a fantasy tale, it’s important to remember that sea stars are not fish; they are fascinating echinoderms. The Many-Arm Sea Star typically has a flattened body with short, pointed spines along the edges of its arms, giving it a somewhat spiky appearance.

These sea stars are primarily active predators, especially at night. They are known for their unique method of feeding: they engulf their prey whole, including small molluscs and crustaceans, and then slowly digest them internally. Unlike some other starfish that can evert their stomach, the Many-Arm Sea Star relies on internal digestion, making its diet somewhat limited to what it can swallow. Its robust body and numerous arms allow it to move across the sandy or muddy bottoms of larger rockpools more efficiently.

Seaweed Crabs

When exploring for animals that live in rockpools, keep an eye out for seaweed crabs, also known as decorator crabs. Lacking the protective mollusc-shell hideaways of other creatures, these crabs resort to clever camouflage. They are frequently found hiding amongst seaweed, tucked under rocks, or burrowed into the shore sands. They are among the most common crabs encountered in rockpools, with many being juveniles.

These crabs are true masters of disguise. They actively pick and grow seaweed on their shells, effectively creating a living “suit” that helps them blend seamlessly with their surroundings and evade predators. What’s even more impressive is their ability to change their seaweed ‘suit’ to match the specific type of seaweed they are currently hiding in, making them incredibly difficult to spot!

Waratah Anemone

Another compelling reason to consider rockpooling as one of your next outdoor activities is the chance to explore the bizarre beauty of the Waratah Anemone. When exposed out of the water during low tide, they appear as strange mounds of reddish, gelatinous blobs, measuring up to 5 cm across. However, those submerged below the waterline reveal an impressive crown of up to 192 sticky-tipped tentacles. These tentacles are elegantly arranged into six circles, waving and fluttering gracefully within the water, ready to capture tiny prey.

While anemones can sting small prey as a self-defence mechanism, they are generally harmless to humans, though some individuals may experience mild irritation. These resilient creatures can tolerate warm water and possess the remarkable ability to survive being temporarily dried out during low tide. Their mouth is centrally located at the bottom of their tentacled crown, and, fascinatingly, they can eject live babies into the water, which then settle on nearby rocks to establish their own homes.

Sea Hare

Rounding out our list of amazing animals that live in rockpools is the curious sea hare. Essentially a large sea slug, the sea hare gets its name from its huge, protruding tentacles, which strikingly resemble a rabbit’s ears.

These soft-bodied molluscs have a unique defence mechanism. Whenever they sense an intruder or potential predator, they are known to release a cloud of bright purple ink into the water. This ink acts as a deterrent, helping them to ward off threats and make a quick escape.

Rockpooling is not just a great way to enjoy and have fun at the beach; it also offers an incredible opportunity to explore the hidden, fascinating creatures of the sea and learn firsthand about your local ecosystem.

Warning: Always remember to observe and not to stick your hands into places you can’t see, as some species can be dangerous or delicate. Respect the habitat and its inhabitants.