When the tide goes out in rocky, coastal areas, some water gets left behind in pools and crevices. These spots are called tide pools and many different creatures like to hang out in them. See if you can name the tide pool animals in this gallery. For a hint, click the arrow in the upper right corner, then check your answers below!
This creature is always on the lookout for a new home. Snail shells are usually its preference, but with five pairs of legs, you can’t call it a slow poke!
Photograph by apsimo1, iStockphoto
Nemo and his clownfish father lived inside one of these. When their tentacles are open they are ready for food; when they’re folded in, they’re likely munching.
Photograph by Brendan Hunter, iStockphoto
These drifters don’t have much say where they end up, but often they show up in tide pools. They may be soft and squishy, but their tentacles are stunning.
Photograph by Lars Johansson, iStockphoto
The webbing between this animal’s short, triangular arms is a clue to its name. Sensors on the end of each of its arms can sense light and detect prey.
Photograph by Nancy Nehring, iStockphoto
After grazing on algae, this tide pool creature finds the perfect parking spot on a rock and hunkers down, sealing water underneath itself to keep its body moist during low tide.
Photograph by AtWaG, iStockphoto
Call it a tide pool salad. This leafy green creature can get dry and stiff at low tide, but it bounces right back once the water comes in.
Photograph by Lee Rogers, iStockphoto
Click the full-screen arrows in the upper right to get a hint!
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Answers: 1. hermit crab; 2. sea anemone; 3. jellyfish; 4. bat star; 5. limpet; 6. sea lettuce
