Sea nymphs

Description:

Thousands of these small plants were being flushed through the tiny, intertidal channels. They had a sharp, spiny foot which was superb for latching onto rocks and sand. Some would then work their way into the sand as the water pulsed them back and forth. Each was about 60mm long.

Habitat:

Sublittoral zone, near the mouth of a large open bay. The bay is generally very shallow with clean sand floor but receives a decent flush of southern ocean water via some very deep channels.

Notes:

order: Alismatales
family: Cymodoceaceae
http://bie.ala.org.au/species/urn:lsid:b...
"The species is generally reported as occurring from Exmouth Gulf on the north-west coast of Western Australia, south along the west coast and east along the south coast as far as Wilsons Promontory in Victoria. However FloraBase reports an isolated specimen record from east of Port Hedland, over 500 kilometres north-east of Exmouth Gulf. It occurs primarily in the sublittoral zone, where it forms extensive meadows. It can occur as deep as 27 metres, but does not often form meadows below 13 metres. It can also grow in extremely shallow waters, with its leaves floating on the surface, although this often results in leaf damage and loss. The species tolerates a range of habitats. It has been found growing on a variety of substrates, including sand-covered rock, gravel, sand and clay. It grows in areas of both high and low water flow, and occurs in areas of very high salinity." - Wikipedia