SPECIES TO LOOK OUT FOR

Beadlet anemone

The commonest anemone found on rocky shores around Britain can even be seen in rockpools on the upper shore. When the tide is out the anemone contracts into a jelly-like reddish blob, but under water its crown becomes covered with short, thick tentacles. Prey is caught with the stinging tentacles and passed to the mouth.

Common prawn

This is the largest and most common of the int ter-tidal prawns. Reaching up to 11cm in length, its flattened body is translucen t and hatched with darke er bands. The shrimp p possesses a long upwardly curved rostrum, which juts out from between its eyes and antennae.

Shore crab

This crustacean is predominantly green, but varies through yellow, brown and black. It has paddle-like rear legs and a carapace that reaches no longer than 8cm across. Watch out for that nip as this species has attitude!

Cushion starfish

The easiest starfish to find in many rockpools can often be spotted clinging to the underside of stones. This diminutived echinoderm has five short, broad arms, is greyish-green inn colour and is covered in small, stiff spines.

Sea hare

Its tentacles resemble the floppy ears of a hare, hence its name, though it looks more like a slug. Sea hares spend most of their lives in deeper water but in spring and summer large numbers come inshore to lay their eggs. They can reach 20cm in length and their colour is variable.