Vibrant Sea Stars and Mussels in Tidal Pool
Saturday, July 18th, 2026 at 2:57:01 PM · 2026/Schoolhouse Beach Tide Pools
This striking photograph captures a dense aggregation of ochre sea stars (Pisaster ochraceus) in varying colors — from vivid orange to deep purple — gathered among barnacle-encrusted rocks and thick beds of blue mussels (Mytilus californianus) at low tide. The sea stars are in various postures, some with arms curled upward, likely feeding on or moving through the mussel bed, which is a classic predator-prey interaction in Pacific intertidal zones. Green-tinged anemones are visible nestled in the rock crevices between the sea stars, adding another layer of biodiversity to the scene. The wet, glistening rock surface and pooled water indicate this was photographed during low tide exposure, revealing the rich intertidal community beneath. The image has a rich, naturalistic color palette and conveys the teeming, complex ecosystem of a Pacific Northwest tide pool habitat.
Chronologically Adjacent
