Star Coral - Astrangia danae

Many people are surprised to learn that coral grows in New Jersey. It grows firmly attached to rocks in deeper water, but is regularly found on the beach.This is a close-up of the star-like calyx which housed the coral polyp. To see more about protecting coral reefs and threats to them, click here.

 Hydractinia echinata

Although these Hydroids are usually found on hermit crab shells, colonies also grow in rocks. They are cousins of the jellyfish and corals. The microscope (Below, left) reveals that their polyps are polymorphic.

Click here to read an article about snail fur.

 Turbularia crocea

Any hard surface that is submerged is quickly covered with "fouling organisms" like algae, mussels and another hydroid, Sea Strawberries (Right side of the rocks).

(Below) All of the true jellyfish have stinging cells Nematocysts), but some like the Moon Jelly (Below, left) are weak and barely noticeable. It is possible, but not advisable, to pick up some jellyfish by the "bell" where nematocysts are absent.

The moon jelly (Aurelia) sometimes appears in large numbers in the late summer and fall. It is Jello-like* in texture and has small tentacles, weak nematocysts and venom, so is easy to pick up. However the sting can be felt in the eyes or mucous membranes if one is hit in the face with a carelessly tossed specimen (Don't ask!)

See below for microscopic video clips of moon jelly tentacles

*(Not a commercial endorsement)

The Brown Anemone (Metridium senile) is common below the tideline. It has up to 1000 tentacles, each with thousands of stinging threads. The "mouth" is at the center of the disc.

To learn more about local anemones, go to Field Notes, and to read more about anemonefish or clownfishes like Nemo, click here.

Below are microscopic views of jellyfish.

 (Above, left) Jellyfish are the simplest creatures that show sense organs. They have simple nerves and react to touch by retracting their tentacles.

(Above, right) It moves food and water around the margin of its umbrella by means of a canal system connected to the central manubrium (which is the central mouth and stomach of the creature). If you look carefully you can see it streaming in the video above and in the image of the retracted tentacle on the left.

 Anemones are very common below the tide mark attached to pilings and floating docks.

Follow these links to related species from other coasts:
Middle Atlantic Bight, West Coast, Vancouver, New England, Gulf of Maine, Gulf of Saint Lawrence, Coral Reefs