How long do animals live in tide pools?

Sea kinds of plant and animal life can be found in tide pools. All organisms that live in tide pools must be able to withstand extreme fluctuations in conditions. For example, when a big rainfall occurs, the tide pool receives lots of fresh water. When it's hot, the temperature in the tide pool is much different than it is on a cold day.

Many animals make the tide pool home. These animals include sea stars, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, barnacles, and anenomes.

The Pacific octopus also makes the tidepool home. The octopus is related to the squid, but lives in rocks and caves instead of the open sea. The Pacific octopus is usually dark red and has 8 tentacles, with 2 rows of suckers on each tentacle. Most arms are 2-3 feet long, but sometimes arms can reach lengths of 14 feet! The octopus uses these arms to feed on crabs, snails and clams.

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