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Project Noah Nature School
Ligia pallasii
Ligia pallasii feed on dead plants and animals, and the algal film from upper intertidal rocks. This one was about 1 in. (2.54 cm) long. A checkered greenish gray appearance allows them to blend into rocks and seaweeds they forage in.
Spotted in tidal pools at Tongue point Marine Life Sanctuary.
Coastal Ligia exhibit a mixture of terrestrial and marine characteristics, drying out easily, needing moist air and proximity to water to retain water. While they have gills and can exchange gas under water, they only do so when escaping terrestrial predators or being dislodged by wave action. They do not move swiftly in the water and are open to marine predation. They are well adapted to rocky surfaces and avoid sand which opens them to terrestrial predation and desiccation.
Spotted on Apr 7, 2019
Submitted on Apr 13, 2019
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