This colonial creature looks like an old-fashioned quill - that's where the name sea pen comes from.

The black sea bream really is a fascinating fish. From sex changes to nest building, this fish is full of surprises!

The lightbulb sea squirt is common around much of the UK. Its easy to see where its name came from!

These mat like growths found on kelp and seaweed are actually colonies of tiny individuals animals.

This strange furry creature often found washed ashore after storms is actually a kind of worm!

These little critters are related to the woodlice you find in your garden and play a very important role on rocky shores.

Despite being a little shy, these amazing marine mammals can be spotted close to shore in shallow waters. If you do get close, keep an eye out for the loud ‘chuff’ noise they make as they come to…

Living up to its name, the red-tailed bumblebee is black with a big, red 'tail'.

The sanderling scampers about the waves looking for marine crustaceans, fish and even jellyfish to eat. It visits the UK in winter from its Arctic breeding grounds, but can also be seen as it…

A stocky, little sandpiper, the knot can be spotted in estuaries from August onwards, migrating here from the Arctic where it breeds. Look out for it probing the muddy sand with its specialised…