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Britannica Sources used in this answer

Which animals live in Pacific kelp forests?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Map of the Pacific Ocean showing depth contours in varying shades of blue, major submarine features such as trenches, ridges, and basins labeled throughout the ocean, and neighboring landmasses including Asia, Australia, North and South America. Principal cities along the Pacific rim and island groups are marked, along with international boundaries.
Pacific Ocean

Pacific kelp forests, primarily found along the rocky cold-water coasts of North and South America, support a diverse array of marine life that rivals the variety found in tropical rainforests. These ecosystems harbor a rich complement of invertebrates and fishes.1

Specific animals known to inhabit these forests include:

  • Fishes: Various species of fish thrive in these environments, including the kelpfish (Heterostichus rostratus), a type of blenny often found among kelp or eelgrass along the California coast.23
  • Crustaceans: The kelp crab, a Pacific species of spider crab, is a notable inhabitant of these areas.4
  • Other Invertebrates: These forests provide essential habitat for various other animals, including sea cucumbers and snails.2

These kelp beds, formed by brown algae of the genus Laminaria and other types such as Pelagophycus (elk kelp), serve as critical structural foundations for these complex biological communities.12