The growing tip of a kelp plant is called frond. When the frond reaches the surface the growth rate slows down and soon forms its last blade called terminal blade. Some marine biologists think that kelp forests provide habitat for as many different type of wildlife as does a tropical rain forest on land. Both kelp forests and rain forests have hundreds of different types of plants, animals and insects living in them. Worms, snails, crustaceans, and mollusks also live in the kelp forest.
Bottom fish live at the base of a kelp forest.
Lots of the fish and other animals that live in kelp beds attract predators. Sharks, seals, and sea otters find these forests to be great hunting areas. Kelp is commercially harvested for lots of products that are used by people. Kelp has a chemical called algin. Algin is used as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier.