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Rugged Rocky Shore

At the ocean's edge, waves crash and smash against the shore, tumbling over the animals that live here.

Fun fact: During storms, a wave can hit the shore with the force of a car going 90 miles per hour.

Living with waves

Some animals just go with the flow. The shape and structure of their bodies helps them to survive the powerful waves. Flexible anemones bend rather than break. Snails have strong shells to protect them, and fishes swim below the surface.

Some animals escape the waves by hiding. Crabs crawl into rock crevices, and small delicate animals like brittle stars hide under rocks and in tidepools.

Anemone and sea stars (Photo © Kawika Chetron)

When the waves crash over them, some animals hold on tight. A sea star has hundreds of tiny but strong tube feet that help it cling to the ocean floor. Mussels anchor themselves by gluing threads to rocks.

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Tides

As ocean tides rise and fall, the shore is constantly changing. When tides are low, plants and animals are left out of the water. To keep from drying out, some animals hide under rocks or seaweeds. Mussels close their shells and seal them tight, and anemones gather together in groups and pull in their tentacles.

Rocky homes need protection

When you visit tide pools, be gentle, and use your eyes more than your hands. Put everything back the way you found it and leave animals in their tide pool homes—don't take them home with you.

MORE ROCKY SHORE ANIMALS

Inspiring Conservation of the Oceans