We have many rock pools around our coasts. Most, but not all, are found on our more exposed and storm-ridden western coastline, particularly in Devon, Dorset and Cornwall. Rock pools create miniature sea environments and form some of the most interesting sea-shore areas. They are of scientific interest to teacher and student as well as fascinating to young children.

Rock pools have both permanent and temporary residents. Permanent residents include sea anemones such as the Beadlet Anemone and the Snakelocks Anemone as well as common sea shell molluscs such as the Common Limpet and the Common Periwinkle. Temporary residents include most crabs and most rock pool fish. These creatures stay in a rock pool for only a few days until the next tide takes them to a new location.

In our website we have described 6 rock pool fish and fish like the Long-spined Sea Scorpion, the Pipefish Worm, the Rock Goby and the Common Lumpsucker which are regarded as fitting easily into the temporary resident status. The Common Blenny and its near relative the Butterfish are noted to be territorial in nature, particularly in relation to guarding their young and because of this these fish are often regarded as semi-permanent rock pool residents. Some individual blennies have been known to stay in a rock pool for months on end.