Sandy Seafloor

Sand habitats are perhaps the least complex of the range of habitats in Long Island Sound, but are unique and critical for some species. Sand grains generally do not adhere to one another, preventing animals from constructing solid, walled burrows in the seafloor. Nevertheless, many burrowing species adapt to life in these habitats. For example, many crab species can rapidly bury themselves in the sand to avoid threats.

Invertebrates such as the cone worm (Pectinaria gouldii; left)can cement sand grains into a protective, camoflauge tube to avoid predation. Tidal and storm currents form sand waves and sand ripples. These features, like rocks and fauna in more spatially-complex habitats, provide refuges from current flows which reduces the energy needed by fishes to hold position on the sea floor.

Some predatory fish also use these features to their advantage, waiting on the down-current sides of sand waves to ambush prey drifting over the bottom. To avoid predators, fish such as the winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus; right) can alter their coloration in a form of camouflage to hide against a backdrop of sand.