Rock Gunnel
Pholis gunnellus
Size
to 12"
Description:
Very slippery, hence the name. Found in coastal waters and inlets, near shore.
Starfish or Sea Stars are found on any solid structure, from inter-tidal rocks to deep wrecks. They are so common that one forgets just how bizarre they really are. These animals have 5-way body symmetry *, hydraulic tube feet, and ejects their stomach through their mouth to feed. ( Oddly, the planktonic larvae have bilateral symmetry, like higher animals. ) The "eye" is called a madreporite, and is actually the exhaust vent for the hydraulic system. They are capable of regenerating an entire animal from just a fragment. Starfish come in a rainbow of colors from yellow to lavender.
More: Starfish (Sea Star) ...