Shore rockling
These large rocky shore fish look like they belong in deeper waters, but they are the find of the day for any rockpooler!
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Shore crab
This crab is common around all of the UK. If you've ever been rockpooling or crabbing, it's probably the shore crab that you've met.
Shore lark
This distinctive lark is a passage migrant and winter visitor to the UK, most often found along the east coast of Britain.
Shore clingfish / Cornish sucker
One of the most bizarre fish to find on the rocky shore, the clingfish appears an assortment of different animals stuck together!
How to go rockpooling on Scilly
Rock pooling is a fantastic way to experience wildlife on Scilly and requires very little equipment. Our sandy beaches are brimming with rare and unusual species, often hiding in plain sight right under our noses, nestled under rocks and inside dense jungles of seaweed.
Painted goby
This slim fish is usually found on gravelly parts of the seabed, close to shore, but can turn up in rockpools.
Purple topshell
Also known as the flat topshell, these are one of the most common and colourful sea snails you are likely to see when out on a rockpool safari!
Sugar kelp
Sugar kelp is the crinkly belt like kelp that can often be found in deep rockpools on the lower shore or washed up on the beach after rough seas.
My fascination
Hi, I am Arun, a volunteer and marine champion for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. Since I was 11, I have been completing Shoresearch surveys with the Trust to monitor the species…
Edible periwinkle
Edible periwinkles are a common sight when rockpooling and can be found in huge numbers on the shore.
Mud
From vast plains spreading across the seabed to intertidal flats exposed by the low tide, mud supports an incredible variety of wildlife.
Scilly's species
The Isles of Scilly is home to some incredible wildlife, from grey seals to seabirds, unique plants and amazing rockpool creatures, some of which are found nowhere else in the UK.