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Low
Shore Fringe
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When the tide is at its lowest, the Low Shore Fringe is the region where the waves are breaking. Sometimes the animals and algae are covered by water and at other times they are exposed to the air. Unlike all other intertidal creatures, Low Shore Fringe animals and algae do not remain exposed to the harmful effects of the sun for any length of time. Most of the animals and algae partially exposed at low tide at the Low Shore Fringe are typically marine in lifestyle, with some of them being exposed to the air, more or less accidentally, when the tide is at its lowest. However, some species are adapted to being at their most common in this region. Ascidians:
Algae:The Low Shore Fringe is the region of most intertidal algae. Here the three forms of algae may be found in abundance. There are examples of green algae, brown algae and red algae. Green Algae: The most common forms of green algae are Sea Lettuce, Globe Algae, Doubling Weed, Sausage Weed, Caulerpa and Green Sea Velvet.
The most common forms of brown algae in south-eastern Australia are Leather Kelp, Strap Weed and Padina. Along Victorian shores we find Bull Kelp.
The most common types of red algae are the various forms of coralline algae, and encrusting corallines.
CrustaceansDecapod crabs are also common at the low-shore fringe. They are mostly marine, but do venture into this region for a "feed".
Molluscs:Some of the molluscs found here, either in gutters or rockpools, or under sheltered ledges are the algae-feeding Elephant Snail, Common Warrener, Common Ear Shell, and various chitons. Some carnivorous molluscs include the Cart-rut Shell, and Spengler's Rock Whelk.
Echinoderms:Also found in constantly wet gutters or rockpools are the Common Sea Urchin, the Thickened Sea Urchin and Eleven armed Sea star.
Worms
SpongesIncreased HabitatsIn areas where rocks and boulders are embedded in sand, or sandy mud, usually covered with abundant algae, in swiftly flowing water, an amazingly wide range of animals may be found. These animals are not truly intertidal, but may be accidentally exposed at low tide by a human turning over rocks. Here we may find colourful sponges, various types of colourful seastars, an amazing variety of chitons, colourful flatworms, spiny worms, peanut worms, etc. The abundance of different animals here is absolutely amazing.
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Splash-Fringe
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Scientific Consultant: Phil
Colman |