Arthropods (Crustaceans): The common barnacle is
a strange crustacean, sessile in habit, commonly found in the Littoral
Zone under algae. Barnacles are white in colour and will forms clumps or
colonies because larvae are attracted to attach to rocks that presently
have barnacles (photo below). Barnacles will filter feed using their legs;
when food is contacted, it is pulled inside the shell for consumption (see
animation).
 
Rock Crabs are scavengers of the Intertidal zone. They can be found under seaweed in the lower parts of the zone. During certain parts of the year they will molt their shell, during this time they hide (under rocks or in the sand) as they are unable to defend themselves from predators.  
Amphipods are shrimp like creatures that are flattened laterally or sideways (see photo below). Amphipods are commonly found throughout the Intertidal Zone. During the field trip two species will likely be encountered; the larger of the two is called a scud and the smaller ones is a sand flea. 
Isopods are shrimp like creatures that are flattened dorsally
or from the top (they look like sow bugs, to which they are closely related).
Isopods are also common and are found throughout the Intertidal Zone.
Shrimp are found in tide pools and in the Sublittoral Zone. They will prey upon small animals or eat detritus. They are capable of quick movement for short bursts.
 |
