Examples of high energy littoral rock habitats:

In high energy littoral rock habitats organisms experience the continual pounding of waves and/or strong currents that could dislodge them at any time. Only those that are adapted to with stand the waves and resist dislodgment by strong ‘anchors’ be it large muscular feet of periwinkles or, strong holdfasts and stunted growth in seaweeds can survive. Barnacles with their own special like cement securing them to the rocks thrive and cover the available hard substrate. These barnacles are the characteristic species of high energy environments. Other organisms such as periwinkles, limpets, small mussels and the odd robust seaweed are confined to crevices or, if large enough the old test of a barnacle which provides shelter from the wave exposure.

Below are images of high energy littoral rock habitats and characteristic organisms:

High energy littoral rock can become dominated by barnacles.

 Organisms such as these limpets, periwinkles, small mussels and robust seaweeds are confined to crevices that provide shelter from the dislodging power of waves.

Limpets and mussels seek refuge within a crevice.

Small and rough periwinkles seek refuge within a crevice.

Small periwinkles seek refuge within a crevice.