Themes > Science > Earth Sciences > Oceanography > Habitats > Kelp Forests > Animal Life


A sea cucumber at the rocky ocean floor.
A sea cucumber at the rocky ocean floor.. Courtesy of NURP.
Many varieties of fish and other sea creatures can be found in kelp forests. Sea urchins, sea cucumbers and starfish live among the holdfasts and rocky bottom. Since sea urchins nibble at the base of the kelp streamers and detach them from the bottom, they become a problem when their numbers grow too large. Luckily, sea otters love to eat urchins and help keep their numbers down. Sponges and bryozoans also live along the bottom, as do many varieties of fish and eels.


Other fish live among the kelp strands, munching on smaller creatures whenever they find them. Giant Sea Bass, Kelp Bass and the Garibaldi live this way. Still other fish, such as the Halfmoon, Topsmelt and Blacksmith fish, use the kelp as shelter, eating primarily plankton.


A Garibaldi in search of food.
A Garibaldi in search of food. Courtesy of NURP.


Information provided by: http://www.onr.navy.mil