Mudflat/ Sand Flat Intertidal

Today we explored the intertidal mudflat/sand flat at Cholla Bay.  At first glance, you might not think there is a lot of life, besides bacteria in the mud flat area, but there are small pools of life.  And Mollusca everywhere!  At the mudflat under the surface is anoxic, hydrogen sulfide being produced by bacteria decomposing the organic material makes it black looking and very smelly.  I was impressed by the oyster shells embedded in the rocks along the mudflat area.

We saw a few swimming crabs like the blue crab, hermit crabs, and moon snails.  As we reached the sand flats, there were clam shells that had Phitch's octopus inside with their eggs.  Those octopuses were very strong for their size, extending their arms and trying to close the shell they occupied back up.

I didn't see any live sand dollars, but I found out they were probably there under the sand or mud since that is where they go during a low tide.  Apparently, you can find them because they do need air and you can look for that in the sand.  I did see quite a few broken pieces for sand dollars scattered across along with many clam shells.  

–Laura











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