The Everglades is home for many intertidal species. In these intertidal regions (sandy shores/beaches) aquatic life has adjusted to the constantly changing hydroperiod. While there are many intertidal zones in the Everglades we focused on gulf shores of Lulu Key (one of the ten thousand islands).

The major adaptation that intertidal creatures must have is adaptation to life out of water for extensive periods of time. In the water these creatures behave the same as most other marine animals. However, when water is scarce there are a few factors these creatures have to take into consideration, especially desiccation (loss of water), predators, and support. The loss of water can be fatal to some sessile intertidal creatures such as comb jelly which are bioluminescent. Crabs, such as the Common Spider Crab (Callinectes sapidus) and the Arrow Crab (Stenorhynchus seticornis) can scurry into pools of water to release stress. Other animals have to conserve the water. For instance, we found many bivalves and conch shells which can seal in water during low tide. The exoskeletons that these animals have also serves as a barrier to predators. Some predators that were seen included various crabs, star fish, snails (gastropods), and a Southern Stingray (Dasyatis americana)!! Atlantic Horseshoe Crabs (Limulus polyphemus) can also be seen, burring nights with bright moons, looking for a mate.

Once out of the water the pressure of the surrounding air could compress their bodies unless they have mechanisms of support. In most cases the calcium carbonate shells support the creatures. Crustaceans have tough exoskeletons that protect their soft inner flesh from pressure. Other creatures that do not have these mechanisms use hydraulic pressure for support. This is when the creature consists of mostly water inside. Since water is virtually incompressible, the creatures are able to support themselves out of water. Such organisms are segmented worms (polychaetes). To add to the marine life, algae (unidentified green and red varieties), and sponges (brown, purple, and orange varieties) were seen in this environment.

Inter-tidal zones experience other influences than the sea. Terrestrial plant life as well as other factors play a role in this diverse environment. Common plants that were seen in inter-tidal regions were Sea Grape (Coccoloba uvifera) and Red Mangrove. Numerous terrestrial animals and birds prey on the abundant intertidal life as well. These include Raccoons (Procyon lotor), Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), Brown Pelican (Pelecanus accidentalis), Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga), Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura), and Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus).