Primary space consumers at the Giant Stairs.

The northern acorn barnacle, Semibalanus balanoides.

The blue, or edible mussel, Mytilus edulis. Note key tip to left for scale.

Typical assemblage of macroorganisms found in mussel beds.

Red algae including Chondrus, Gigartina, (nearest water) and lighter brown area above tidepool is primarily the brown algae Ascophyllum and Fucus. White area is primarily acorn barnacles, Semibalanus.

SPONGES In the low intertidal, and in refugia such as tidepools and surge channels, sponges can be found grwoing on the rock and as epifauna on other organisms.

© 1999 Bates College. All Rights Reserved. Created on 2/16/99 by Greg Anderson