Tide Pool Ecosystems

Tide pools are small pools of seawater that form on rocky shores when the tide goes out. They are home to many amazing creatures. Sea stars, anemones, crabs, and small fish all live in tide pools. These little pools are like natural aquariums.

Life in a Tide Pool

Tide pool animals must be tough survivors. The water temperature changes a lot throughout the day. Waves crash over the pools during high tide. Animals cling to rocks to avoid being washed away. Sea stars, hermit crabs, and snails are common tide pool residents.

Zones of the Shore

The rocky shore is divided into zones based on how often the water covers them. The splash zone at the top is only reached by spray. The middle zone is covered and uncovered twice a day. The lowest zone is almost always underwater and has the most life.

Fun Facts

• Sea anemones can live in tide pools for over 60 years.
• Hermit crabs in tide pools switch to bigger shells as they grow.
• Some tide pool animals can survive being out of water for hours during low tide.

Did You Know?

Tide pools are like windows into the ocean! You can see many of the same animals found in deeper water, all gathered in a small pool you can observe from shore.