Rockpool Explorer
Rockpools
Rockpools are amazing micro-habitats full of incredible creatures! Are you brave enough to stroke a Sea Anemone, Starfish or Crab? Find out during your visit!
Rockpools are made from water left behind when the tide goes out. Lots of different creatures live in these shallow pools – they all need to be tough to adapt to different temperatures and waves crashing overhead!
If you’re exploring Rockpools at the beach, remember these important rules:
• Safety first: Make sure you’re with an adult and only explore when the tide is going out. Wear non-slip shoes.
• Be kind to creatures: Put any rocks back carefully and try not to the disturb creatures you find. Never take them home with you!
Scroll down to find out more about some amazing rockpool inhabitants!
Did you know?
Starfish can drop an arm at will if it needs to? If one is grabbed by a hungry predator they will drop it off and make their escape, eventually growing a new arm to replace it.
Hermit Crab
We are quite defenseless, we use our shells as a shield against predators
Sea Cucumber
Lives in the muddy sands, and possesses a special organ called the Cuverian organ. Its skin beco es leathery and sticky upon contact with seawater in order preserve its life and grow replacement organs.
Slate Pencil Urchin
Has large thorns that resemble pencils. At the foot of the thorns lie a bed of smaller spear-shaped thorns that surround the larger thorns. Found among the rocks and corals in the reef.
Mudskipper
The mudskipper, a fascinating animal living along the muddy areas of the mangroves, digging holes deep inside the mud to shelter itself during high tide.
