Went for a stroll under Mumbles Pier in Swansea Bay at low tide on the day of the lowest tides of the last spring tide cycle. Went to investigate a group of guys fishing in the very low water with long hooks and nets. Seems they were fishing - unsuccessfully - for oysters.
One reason for their lack of success became clear - the exposed sea bottom was covered in a carpet of starfish -
This is the Common Starfish, Asterias rubens. (Aster = star, rubens = red). They prey on bivalves such as oysters and mussels (seen under them here), gripping the shells with many "tube feet" and levering them apart to get at the flesh inside.
50D + EF100mm Macro (although not a macro shot).
Cheers, Chris.
One reason for their lack of success became clear - the exposed sea bottom was covered in a carpet of starfish -
This is the Common Starfish, Asterias rubens. (Aster = star, rubens = red). They prey on bivalves such as oysters and mussels (seen under them here), gripping the shells with many "tube feet" and levering them apart to get at the flesh inside.
50D + EF100mm Macro (although not a macro shot).
Cheers, Chris.
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