Ochre Sea Stars and Anemones in Pacific Tide Pool
Saturday, July 18th, 2026 at 3:19:29 PM · 2026/Schoolhouse Beach Tide Pools
This close-up photograph captures a dense aggregation of ochre sea stars (Pisaster ochraceus) in varying colors from deep burgundy-purple to bright orange, piled atop one another in a rocky intertidal zone. Interspersed among the sea stars are numerous giant green anemones (Anthopleura xanthogrammica) with their tentacles retracted into flower-like cups, exposing their distinctive green oral discs. The rocky substrate is encrusted with barnacles, algae, and other intertidal organisms, creating a rich tapestry of Pacific coastal biodiversity. The scene was captured during a low tide event, revealing this remarkable community of marine invertebrates that would normally be submerged. The telephoto macro-style composition fills the frame entirely with life, creating an almost alien, textural landscape that conveys both abundance and the ecological richness of the Pacific Northwest intertidal zone.
Chronologically Adjacent
