Tidal Pools

Waves thrash against the rocks, sending salty spurs of water everywhere. The tide surges in and out, bringing with it an array of picturesque shells. Hermit crabs scuttle around, searching for new homes. Jagged rocks collect the water in little pools which, though small, are filled with more life one can imagine. Oysters and mussels leech onto the stones, their hard shells protecting them from predators. Barnacles attach themselves onto anything they can find, waiting for food to float nearby. Starfish crawl across the sand, surprisingly the most vicious predators here. Blennies hop about in the scorching sun, awaiting the tide to flood the pools with water. Sea Urchins are slow but sure, their spikes a warning to anyone who ventures close. Sea cucumbers relax lazily inching along as the pool dries. Sea anemones sway in the deeper pools, a threat to any small fish who reside there too. If you're lucky, you might spot the black, beady eyes of the Pacific Octopus, who calls the tide pools his summer home. Red crabs peek from their tunnels underground, only revealing themselves when the coast is clear. Seagulls lurk above, pouncing on anyone careless enough to be in the open.
The tidal pools are the harshest living conditions an animal can experience. To survive, one will need dedication, perseverance and a hint of luck. All the creatures here have tactics to keep them alive. When the tide is low, they must experience long hours in the sweltering sun, and as high tide arrives, they must endure the harshest waves yet. Amongst all this is the challenge of not getting eaten, and satisfying their own hunger at the same time. Tidepool inhabitants are the world's prime multitaskers.
Every second alive matters if you live here.
Nature's thrill seekers are the only ones with a chance.
Make a silly blunder, and your life will flash before your eyes.




Image Credits: https://pixabay.com/photos/tide-pool-ocean-water-pacific-2769733/