School of rock pools
IT’S been a very unusual summer term, but the school holidays are here and we’ve hung up our home-school hats ready for a well-earned break. If you are heading for the beach, you could take a look at one of the UK’s smallest and most diverse habitats – the rock pool.
Marine Biologist Emily Yates says: “Rock pools are incredible environments, often buzzing with life. They are full of some of the most interesting marine life we have in the UK and provide a great opportunity for us to interact with creatures or simply observe them in their habitats.”
Here, Emily lists her top five things to spot in British rock pools.
■ Anemones: If you’ve been rock pooling before you have probably seen an anemone. You will find them all over. Have a look out for Snakelocks anemones. They have long tentacles which can be grey or green with bright purple tips.
■ Hermit crabs: There’s nothing more exciting than picking up a shell and finding one of these charismatic little creatures inside.
Hermit crabs actually have very soft bodies which almost look wormlike – hence the need for the shell.
■ Starfish: Usually have five arms but if they lose one, they can grow it back. They have no brain or blood and they have sensors at the end of each arm which act as their eyes. They get around on small tube feet, which they also use to move food towards their mouths in the centre of the underside of their bodies.
■ Common prawns: They have clear bodies and will jump to get away from their predators so be careful they don’t jump out of your net or hands.
■ Sea urchins: These are the spiny cousins of the starfish.
In-between their spines they have small tube feet (similar to starfish) which they also use to get around and move food to their mouths.
You have to be patient when rockpooling, as creatures can hide in seaweed or under rocks. Wait quietly though, and you will start to see creatures emerge.
Rock pooling can be a really exciting activity but stay safe. Here are a few things to remember when you’re out on the beach:
■ It’s easy to slip on seaweed and wet rocks so tread carefully.
■ Be careful when lifting any rocks or seaweed and make sure you replace them again.
■ Treat creatures with respect. If you do handle them, return them safely to their habitat afterwards.
■ Leave only footprints. Take all your rubbish home with you.
■ Found something and not sure what it is? Anglesey Sea Zoo offers an identification service for anyone in the UK via social media. Upload a photo of your mystery creature and tag it @angleseyseazoo (Twitter and Instagram) or @ASZMRC (Facebook) and the team will help identify it. Happy hunting!