All over the UK, rockpools allow you a miniature glimpse of life beneath the sea but which of the following rockpool inhabitants will you spot this summer? Tick them off as you go!
Common Starfish
Five orange arms with lighter coloured short ‘spines’. Usually around 10-30cm in size
Shore Crab
Look for a greenish shell about 9cm across with five spikes on each side of the eye
Mermaid’s purse
The egg cases of sharks, rays and skates. Very dark brown in colour and up to 21cm long, with distinctive ‘horns’ on the end
Limpet
A grey cone-shaped shell with ridges running down the sides from the top. Grows to up to 6cm diameter
Gutweed
Green hair-like fronds of seaweed. Very common in rockpools
Common Blenny
A small, brown fish with dark patches and fins on its side. Grows to around 16cm
Beadlet Anemone
Look for small round red blobs with dozens of ‘tentacles’ growing out of it. Their tentacles retract when they are not in water
Hermit Crab
Small, soft brown crab who squat in empty spiral shells
Common periwinkle
Another conical shell with spiralling ridges. Usually brown but also grey, black or even red. Up to 5cm in size
Bladderwrack
A browny greeny seaweed with a rib running down the middle of each piece and round air bladders which help it float and photosynthesise
If you need a little help with your rockpool identification, the Marine Conservation Society has a very useful rock pooling guide with videos.
Feeling inspired by the idea of watching sea life close up? You might enjoy our ‘Outing’ feature this month, which is all about the underwater creatures and eco systems you can explore just off the beach. We also have a ‘Magical Creatures’ guide to the Starfish. Both are in our August issue, on sale now. Buy this month's The Simple Things - buy, download or subscribe
