Under the pier itself, the fauna and flora are probably heavily influenced by the number of divers. In addition, some of those who have dived further out have a potter around under the pier on the remaining air in their cylinders. On summer weekends, the total must be considerable. As a result, any life under the pier itself must either avoid or tolerate innumerable hands poking and feeling, and survive the thoughtless or uncontrolled swipes of many large fins. Under the new pier, the sand and lower parts of the piles are dominated by mobile animals.
Fish are quite abundant, despite the efforts of the fishermen sitting above.
Both are deep-bodied fish, and like all wrasse have a rounded, not forked, tail and a dorsal fin which extends right along the back. Their colour varies. Fish Shoals There are often shoals of young fish in midwater under and around the pier. They like enclosed places, and are typically found inside or close to wrecks, in natural crevices or under ledges, so they probably feel at home underneath the pierhead among the massive piles and struts. It is possible for divers to identify the species by looking for details like chin barbels and the shape and position of the lateral line, but more interesting just to watch the behaviour of the shoals as they manoeuvre in formation, advancing slowly, wheeling, breaking and reforming their flanks, gleaming silver as they turn.