Sea Star Feeding Beneath Rocky Tide Pool Boulder
Saturday, July 18th, 2026 at 2:59:39 PM · 2026/Schoolhouse Beach Tide Pools
This extreme close-up photograph captures a purple ochre sea star (Pisaster ochraceus) actively feeding or moving beneath a large, algae-covered intertidal rock. The underside of the sea star's arm is clearly visible, revealing rows of delicate white tube feet extending toward the rock surface, likely gripping prey or the substrate. The sea star's aboral surface displays its characteristic bumpy texture with white spines and papulae set against a deep burgundy-purple coloration. The surrounding rock is encrusted with algae, barnacles, and other intertidal organisms, providing rich ecological context. The intimate perspective and shallow depth of field create a sense of peering into a hidden world beneath the tide pool's surface.
Chronologically Adjacent
