Vibrant Sea Stars and Anemones in Pacific Tide Pool
Saturday, July 18th, 2026 at 2:57:09 PM · 2026/Schoolhouse Beach Tide Pools
This striking nature photograph captures a dense aggregation of ochre sea stars (Pisaster ochraceus) in varying colors from orange to purple-red, clustered among dozens of giant green anemones (Anthopleura xanthogrammica) with their tentacles retracted at low tide. The rocky intertidal zone is richly populated with California mussels (Mytilus californicus) forming thick black beds along the upper portions of the rock. The scene reveals the remarkable biodiversity of a Pacific Northwest or Northern California tide pool ecosystem, with barnacles coating nearly every surface and kelp visible in the surrounding water. Shot with a telephoto lens that compresses the scene beautifully, the image conveys the thriving complexity of an intertidal community, with the contrasting textures of spiny sea stars, smooth anemone columns, and ribbed mussel shells creating a visually rich tapestry.
Chronologically Adjacent
