Tide Pools

Tide pools are little windows into the ocean world. When the tide goes out, pools of seawater are left behind in rocky areas along the coast. These pools are full of fascinating sea creatures. Tide pools are like miniature aquariums created by nature.

Tough Neighborhood

Life in a tide pool is challenging. The water temperature changes as the sun heats the pool. Waves crash over the rocks. The saltiness changes when it rains. Animals in tide pools must be tough enough to handle all these changes. They grip rocks tightly when waves crash over them.

Tide Pool Creatures

Tide pools are home to sea stars, sea anemones, crabs, snails, sea urchins, and small fish. Sea anemones look like flowers but are actually animals that catch food with their tentacles. Hermit crabs scurry around in borrowed shells. Each tide pool is its own little ecosystem.

Fun Facts

• Sea stars can regenerate lost arms.
• Sea anemones are animals, not plants.
• Some tide pool animals can survive being out of water for hours.

Did You Know?

Sea anemones and clownfish have a special partnership. The anemone's stinging tentacles protect the clownfish, and the clownfish brings food to the anemone. This is the real-life relationship shown in the movie Finding Nemo!