Coastal Curiosities

We found this cluster of little organisms, floating as one, in a tidal pool in Hancock. The shadow of their combined mass looks quite lacey and delicate

We had no idea what they were, but have since discovered they are more than likely the seashore springtail (Anurida maritima), a useful scavenger that feeds on decaying molluscs and barnacles. Their bodies are covered with hairs that repel water, keeping them from breaking the surface tension so they can stay on top of the water.

And then there was this beautiful sponge, a group of multicellular animals without true organs or tissues.

I think these are castings - droppings - of the lugworm, which filters organic material from the watery sediments, and expels the non-nutritious sand out of one end of its underground tunnel. Fish, crabs and birds feed on the worms depending on the tide, as they're nearing the surface to expel the extraneous sand grains. And apparently, one can tell the species by the shape and coiling of their 'excrement'!