We have set up a simple visual way of identifying sea creatures so that anyone with only a small amount of knowledge will be able to identify marine animals. The main groups described on this page correspond to the items on the species ID menu at the top of each page.

Fishes

This is the largest group of animals in our collection. Traditionally fish books have been organised on the basis of family, but this order is not always easy for beginners to sort their way through. Some fish (order Perciformes) have a classic 'fish' outline. There are others including eels, lionfish, porcupinefish which have more complex or unusual outlines and might not be instantly recognised as fish. For want of a better word I have grouped these diverse species together as 'fancy fish'. It has been estimated that there are about 120 species of 'fancy fish' at Julian Rocks and about 400 species of perciformes so I have further divided these on the basis of size. Obviously fish grow, but some also undergo dramatic colour changes during their lives, adults can be quite different from juveniles, and males may be quite different from females. Where they are available separate thumbnails for each phase are shown.

Sharks & Rays

Sharks and rays, known as Elasmobranchs are similar to bony fishes but different in a number of ways, for example their skeletons are made of cartilage rather than bone.

Turtles

Turtles are easily recognised, and their are only a few species.

Starfish & Urchins

The group known as echinoderms includes starfish ( also known as seastars), sea urchins, brittlestars and sea cucumbers.

Octopus & Cuttlefish

The group known as Cephalopods includes octopus, cuttlefish & squid.

Nudibranchs & Flatworms

Nudibranchs are quite different from Flatworms in their biology, but in that they are small and colourful and slow moving they are similar in appearance

Crabs & Shrimp

The group known as Crustaceans includes crabs, shrimp, prawns, lobsters & crays

Jellies

Includes both true jellyfish and other soft bodied animals which are found either free swimming or washed up on the beach

Corals Anemones etc.

In this section you will find a wide range of things including corals, anemones, ascidians worms and various eggs. These are biologically very different groups but include anything which is attached to the bottom and doesn't obviously belong in any of the other groups.

Shells & on the beach

Shells includes beautiful shell collection and also some live animals.

One The Beach includes shells, animals and parts of animals which are found washed up on the beach