Purple Sea Star Among Mussels in Tide Pool
Saturday, July 18th, 2026 at 2:57:52 PM · 2026/Schoolhouse Beach Tide Pools
A striking purple ochre sea star (Pisaster ochraceus) is photographed from directly above as it nestles within a dense bed of Pacific blue mussels (Mytilus californianus) on a rocky intertidal zone. The sea star's textured, knobby surface displays a rich lavender-purple hue with intricate white reticulated patterns across its five arms, some of which appear partially folded or wedged between the mussels. The surrounding mussels form a tight mosaic of dark blue-black shells with iridescent streaks, clinging to the wet rock surface. A small pool of water is visible on the lower portion of the rock, suggesting the photo was taken at low tide when the intertidal zone is exposed. The image captures a classic predator-prey ecological relationship, as ochre sea stars are a keystone predator of mussel beds along the Pacific Coast.
Chronologically Adjacent
