This, hopefully is Part Two
Other species found, (photographs at the end), were:
Butterfish, Pholis gunnellus
Cornish Clingfish, Lepadogaster lepadogaster
Worm Pipefish, Nerophis lumbriciformis
Rock Goby, Gobius paganellus
Five Bearded Rockling, Ciliata mustela
Common Blenny/Shanny, Lipophrys pholis
Snakelocks Anemone, (green, brown and grey), Anemonia viridis
Beadlet Sea Anemone, Actinia equina
Segmented worms, Lagisca extenuata?
Common Grey Sea Slug, Aeolidia papillosa
Painted Topshell, Calliostoma zizyphinum
Chiton, Acanthochitona crinitus?
There are of course, all of the usual winkles, whelks, limpets, barnacles, sponges and a very long list of seaweeds.
It was nice to find the two species of furrowed crabs, Xantho pillipes and Xantho incisus. Very similar at first sight, but are identified by the fringe of hairs on the legs of X.pilipes, absent in X.incisus, and a difference in the contours of the carapace and notches between the eyes.
The rock goby, Gobius paganellus, is a new to me - similar to the common blenny, but look closely, it has scales. The blenny looks slippery and scaleless. The position of the dorsal and pectoral fins are different too.
The five bearded rockling, Ciliata mustela, does have five "feelers" on the front, and is a member of the cod family. There is a line of rapidly beating "cilia" behind the head - I guess this is where the name "Ciliata" comes from.
There was a distinct absence of the common starfish Asterias rubens. The reason may be due to the existence of the spiny starfish. Nice to find this species though. It is predatory, feeding primarily on other starfish. I have to admit, this is a new species to add to my "found" list.
The worm pipefish, when found under rocks, were generally found in pairs. I assume, male and female. These are a close relative of the sea horse.
The edible crab, Cancer pagurus, was common, with some quite large specimens found wedged in crevices. Interestingly, there were a large number of very pale coloured juveniles, right up to almost completely white individuals.
Wembury itself is a great place, with lots to offer the rockpooler. I only explored a small section of beach to the left of the car park. Some large, deep rockpools, one maybe 10 feet deep would need to be explored with a mask and snorkel. Equipped like that I am sure Wembury would offer lobster in these deep pools. My visit was quick and seemed rushed at times as the tide quickly turned. The photographs are all from Wembury, today - they may not be brilliant quality, but for the time I had, and the number of species found, I hope they inspire some serious rockpooling amongst WABers.
Wembury. Described as a "cracking place" - yes, I agree.
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