Red sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus franciscanus
Encrusting hydrocoral (Stylantheca porphyra), red sea urchins
(Strongylocentrotus franciscanus), and a white-spotted anemone
(Urticina lofotensis). Stylantheca lives in places that experience
mind-bogglingly brutal wave action. The rocks around these particular colonies
are smooth an polished. It's most certainly something to be appreciated when the
seas subside enough to get a glimpse of scenes such as this one.
"Middle Farallon", Farallon Islands, California
April 24, 2005