San Diego’s water is too cold to support coral growth, but our rocky reefs serve a similar function by providing a solid substrate for plants and animals to attach, as well as abundant hiding places. Eel grass and algae grow abundantly here, providing cover for many organisms and serving as the favorite food of visiting sea turtles. Organisms such as the sea hare have evolved to mimic both the color and the motion of brown algae awash in gentle waves and are well camouflaged. The nooks and crannies and tide pools are an important nursery for juveniles of many species. The most obvious resident, the bright orange garibaldi, stakes out a little piece of real estate and defends it ferociously.
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