![]() ![]() They feed on zooplankton, aquatic insects, small fishes, and amphibians.įirst Non-native North American Tidal Record: 1893 First Non-native West Coast Tidal Record: 1893 First Non-native East/Gulf Coast Tidal Record: 1894 White Crappies inhabit sand and mud-bottomed pools and backwaters of creeks and small to large rivers, and lakes and ponds, often associated with vegetation, and often with turbid conditions and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but are rare to absent in brackish waters. Overall they have been introduced to 34 states and Mexico. White Crappies were widely introduced by federal and state fish commissions and agencies from their native habit range in Hudson Bay, Great Lakes, Mississippi River Basin and Gulf drainages to East and West Coast river systems. White Crappies are typically 144–215 mm in size, although can grow larger. There are several bands of black blotches on the dorsal, anal, and tail fins. White Crappies are gray-green to silvery olive above, with silvery sides and dusky bars on the side. The mouth is large with the upper jaw extending beneath the eye. In the White Crappie, the length of the dorsal fin base is shorter than the distance from the eye to the dorsal fin origin. They are considered a good sport and pan fish. Crappies have a strongly laterally compressed body, a spiny and soft dorsal fin, which are fused, and a long predorsal region, with a concave dip over the eye. And thanks to iNaturalist, I can finally tell the difference between a handful of species of sea stars.White Crappie ( Pomoxis annularis) is medium-sized freshwater fish and part of the family Centriarchidae which includes sunfishes and black basses. Most of the ones I have come across are far beyond where my feet can take me, but bright enough to see from a distance, especially with the help of my camera’s zoom. I’ve seen sea stars in purples, oranges, and reds, but even with their bright colors, they can still be hard to spot. Something about spotting these uniquely-shaped creatures is so exciting. What always feels like a special treat is when I find a sea star. Whether they are packed in groups or solitary, all are hypnotizingly interesting. ![]() Here along the Central Coast you may find sunburst anemones, aggregating anemones, giant green anemones, or even moonglow anemones. Their iridescent green, yellow, pink, and purple colors and radial symmetry remind me of a kaleidoscope. Others that are a bit further from the protection of the water, maybe during a low tide, have their tentacles tucked away, revealing their usually hidden pebble-covered column. Some anemones might have their long tentacles exposed, flowing with the slight pull of the tide. Their tentacles are used for both defense and for capturing prey. Anemones are marine, predatory animals that are related to corals and jellyfish. You may notice several sea anemones of every size and color, both in the sand and on the rocks. It’s kind of like a pocket field guide, except it’s made up of your own findings! iNaturalist uses photo recognition and GPS to determine the best guess of what an organism is–and all you have to do is upload a picture! It’s been a great educational resource for me and has allowed me to properly identify all the organisms you’ll see below. This app has been a game changer for me, and I highly recommend utilizing it during any outdoor experience, not just tide pooling. And of course, follow nature’s golden rule of respect: do not harm any living creatures or or remove them from their homes.Ī resource I always have ready is my phone so that I can take pictures and use the app iNaturalist. Allow yourself to take your time traveling through you will not only be helping protect the tide pool residents, but you’ll probably see more too. Many of the tide pool creatures are small and can blend into the rocky landscape. The key to exploring the tide pools is to watch where you step. These tide pools invite all who wander through to learn their secrets, and all it takes is paying attention. I spend hours at these places and take my own time to research their intertidal residents. ![]() Montaña de Oro State Park and Shell Beach are home to my favorite tide pools, and each time I visit I feel a mix of appreciation and wonder. From kelp to algae, mollusks to crustaceans, fish to anemones, there is always something new and exciting to see. This shallow, rocky area of the ocean, the intertidal zone, is home to a myriad of organisms. Gazing into the tide pools is like peering into another world. ![]()
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