Rockpools
Rockpools are a miniature environment within another. They can also be seen as an oasis, A place where plants and Animals can live outside their usual zone of habitat. These Micro-environments are also one of the harshest to be found on the coastline.
The reason for this is due to their dynamic nature. The conditions within these pools can change suddenly. Salinity, Oxygen content, Water level and temperature can all vary depending on outside influences such as rainfall, ambient temperature and sunlight. In severe cases some of the water can freeze if the temperature and salinity is reduced to sufficient level.
However these pools are some of the most interesting and diverse areas on the sea shore. Of interest to Professors, Science students and school children alike.
The type of animals and plants that can be found here can be split into two categories:
Permanent residents,
Those organisms that set up home permanently in this environment and may spend their entire lives in a single rock pool or move from one to another.
Temporary residents,
Those animals that are either trapped in the pool by the residing tide, To be released again when the tide returns. Or those animals that use these pools as a type of nursery only venturing out to sea when they reach a certain size, age or maturity.
Limpets and Anemones. Which can be seen in the photograph, Are just two of the animals that can be found in and on the outskirts of these pools. The advantage of staying in the pool is that they can continue feeding without the risk of drying out, (Desiccation). In the case of the Anemones the water is important for two more reasons, By acting as a support for the Anemones tentacles this allows the anemone to feed by photosynthesis and/or by collecting food particles suspended in the sea water. The Barnacles also seen in the rock pool can continue feeding unlike those uncovered around the edge.
One of the Marine animals that are common in this environment and can be found in and around these pools is Actinia equina (Beadlet Anemone).
Distribution: Mediterranean, Atlantic, English Channel and North sea.
This Anemone can be found in one of many forms Green, Strawberry, Red and Brown. In the diagram the Red form is in its Bead or "closed" state. This is a form which decreases the surface area of the organism and therefore reduces water loss. When the anemonie is in this state it is unable to feed or convert sunlight into food (Photosynthesis). The anemonie is only able to feed when its entire body surface is covered by water.
Below are a few photographs taken at Gerran Bay, Cornwall of The Beadlet Anemonie in its Natural environment.
Anemones situated in Rock pools (see above) are covered by water 24 hours a day which enable them to feed, Giving them an advantage over those attached to the rocks around these pools. Anemones are able to move location and different species have been known to fight if they come into contact with each other. The victor gaining the most advantageous spot in the Rock pool. Anemones feed by trapping food particals with specialised cells that cover their entire bodies, These cells are called Nematocysts.
Photo Location; Gerrans Bay, Cornwall
The photo above is a picture of the type of rock pool environment where Beadlet Anemonies can be found.
Bert's Safety Tips An area of my site designed for the young who want to go and find the Marine organisms mentioned on this page. This area contains safety tips whilst visiting this environment.
For a list of books available on marine biology from Amazon.co.uk
(CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW)
Marine Biology
Diagrams on this page are from the following sources:
Hamlyn Guide Seashores ans Shallow Seas of Britain and Europe
(ISBN 0-600-58376-7)
Photographs on this page were produced and photographed by the author of this site.
Want to Know more. Then click on the link below for books on Marine Biology.
