Do you live under a rock or something?

[canetoad]

Actually, yes.

Just like terrestrial life, the critters of the intertidal zone live by the seasons. It's spring here in Oz and i'm seeing all sorts of sea creatures emerge, or lay eggs. I've found a spot that seems to be a breeding ground for sea stars. There are several interesting varieties under the rocks including the first three below. These are unusual for this area - they have the skin and texture of the eight-pointed carpet star (which also live here) but they have five distinct points.





All three are about the same size. The flesh coloured one is eerie. Despite searching, I cannot identify these stars and wonder if I've stumbled on hybrids. I found this article on Phys.Org. Scientists find evidence of sea star species hybridization

This is a tiny 'Splitting Star' (Coscinasterias muricata). Fully grown they can be around 15" across and have 10-15 arms. When it feels like reproducing it breaks off a bit of itself which grows into a new star. How cool!



This is a tiny ascidian - a sea squirt. It has two squirty holes - top right and lower down. They can go through life un-noticed; as they grow they collect a camouflage of weed and algae.



An egg case of some sort. I suspect some kind of shellfish but really don't know. Very small - the whole spiral is less than 1" across. It is like a tape, standing on edge.



I don't often see anemones of this size and colour. Pretty spectacular.



And finally - the guardian of the rocks, my intrepid assistant, Gibby.