Argument on the rocks , a tussling pair of limpets
5 . Limpet – Patella ( various species )
Are you wondering what limpets are doing at number 5 ? They are powerful grazers , rid the rocks of slippery algae and are hugely important in shore ecology , their feeding equipment contains the hardest known natural substance , they navigate back to home ‘ scars ’ that they grind into the rock , they argue with one another , shake off predatory dogwhelks and stamp on starfish tube feet . Under that humdrum coneshaped shell , there is an astounding animal !
Proud father-to-be , a corkwing wrasse male defends his nest
4 . Corkwing wrasse – Symphodus melops
That the ultimate ‘ colourful craftsman ’ doesn ’ t get into a medal position further proves the strength of this competition . The gorgeously coloured breeding males build an intricate nest of seaweed , using different types of weed for different parts of the structure . They sometimes even position them above the low water mark , but make sure they are shaded . Some males eschew all this hard work and pretend to be females so they can access the nests of their hard-working brethren and steal fertilisations . Corkwings also work as parasite cleaners on larger wrasse . All this amazing action in one fish !
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