It grows an incredible 24 inches a day. Blood worms and other invertebrates are some of the most important food sources for thousands of shore birds that visit the Sanctuary in the fall and winter months. Many types of invertebrates live within the inter tidal zone. This nudibranch is just one example of the many different species of nudibranches that live in the inter tidal zone. Because most are less than an inch in length, you must search hard to fine these interesting creatures.
Many starfish species inhabit the rocky inter tidal zone.
This ochre star is one of the larger, more colorful sea stars found in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. This purple striped jelly fish is just one example of the many types of jellies that mysteriously appear and vanish throughout the year in the Sanctuary.