Colorful Sea Stars and Mussels in Tidal Pool
Saturday, July 18th, 2026 at 2:56:57 PM · 2026/Schoolhouse Beach Tide Pools
This striking close-up photograph captures a dense aggregation of ochre sea stars (Pisaster ochraceus) in vivid orange and purple color morphs draped across a rocky intertidal shelf during low tide. The scene is richly populated with closed green sea anemones (likely Anthopleura xanthogrammica), clusters of blue mussels (Mytilus californianus or trossulus) coating the upper right rocks, and scattered barnacles encrusting every surface. The sea stars appear slightly deflated or limp, suggesting they are exposed during low tide and resting in shallow tide pools. Shot with a telephoto macro approach, the image reveals extraordinary textural detail in the sea stars' ossicles and the shell surfaces of the mussels, creating a visually complex tapestry of marine biodiversity. The cool, muted grays of the wet rock contrast beautifully with the warm oranges and deep purples of the sea stars, lending the composition a painterly quality.
Chronologically Adjacent
