Scientific classifications for tide pool plants and animals: Phylum -> Class -> Order -> Family -> Genus -> Species
(Only the major Classes are shown in list below, * general subgroup of animals sometimes associated with Family but not always, used for organizational purposes only.)
Annelida
Dodecaceria fewkesi – These animals form large colonies that look like rocks with small holes. The shells or casings of the worms will fuse together forming a large coherent structure. They are filter feeders and use specialized appendages to capture plankton from the water flowing by.
Phragmatopoma californica – ( Sand Castle Worms ) These animals are worms similar to the common garden worms. They build tubes made of sand that are glued together by special proteins. This glue is unique in that it hardens in water. These proteins are being studied for possible commercial use. These worms form large colonies and only live near areas where there is lots of sand and fast moving water.
Pachygrapsus crassipes – ( Stripped Shore Crab ) These are the most commonly seen crabs in tidepools. They have a dark red and greenish colored shell with legs that have white patches. Shore crabs are very good at detecting predators and are usually seen scurrying away at the first sign of movement. They will hide in small cracks and under rocks. Shore crabs are typically one to two inches wide with larger specimens seen on occasion.
Pagarus sp. – ( Hermit Crabs ) Hermit crabs are unusual in that they use shells of other animals ( mainly snails ) as their homes. They seem to be always looking out for a “better” home and can frequently be seen battling other hermit crabs for the good shells. Hermit crabs are almost never seen without a shell. Hermit crabs can be identified by looking for small greenish and reddish legs protruding from a snail shell. Some have a blue stripe on the tips of their legs while others have white stripes. Adult Hermit crabs are generally about an inch long but very large specimens have been observed.
Several Species – ( Rock Crabs) This crab is can be identified by an overall reddish brown color. They can grow to several inches in length and are one of the larger crabs found in the intertidal regions. These crabs are well known by seafood lovers as they are sold in restaurants and seafood stores. These crabs are found in sandy areas near the base of rocks.
Panulirus interruptus – ( Spiny Lobster ) >Most visitors to the tidepools or simply beach combing will encounter a lobster, or rather the molt (shell ) of a lobster. Lobsters live in deeper water and seldom are seen in the intertidal zone. Lobsters like other crabs will shed their hard outer shell periodically. This discarded shell is called a molt and this is what most people see washed up on the beach or tidepool. |