A layer of something (such as branches and leaves in a forest) which spread out and cover an area.

Crayfish, or kōura in Māori, are also called Spiny Rock Lobster. They are a creature with long antennae, no claws, and a hard 'exoskeleton' or shell which they need to cast off in order to grow bigger. In some areas it is customary for Māori to make sure that the kōura has all of it's limbs when taken. Why? If a kōura loses a leg or antenna when it is taken, other kōura might see that as a reason to leave the area!

A type of fish that lives along the coast. It is a greeny-yellow colour, has a large dark spot on its side which it uses to confuse prey, and long spines or spikes.

A large, brown, seaweed that lives in cold water and provides a habitat for many other sea creatures.

The process of making energy from sunlight. Plants absorb the sun’s rays and store that energy as sugar molecules, then use the energy to grow.

A sharp-toothed, reddish fish found around Australia and New Zealand. It is a popular recreational fish (lots of fisherman like to fish for snapper for fun), and commonly eaten for dinner in New Zealand (fish and chips anyone?)

A sponge, or kōpūpūtai in Māori, is a simple animal with many cells, but no mouth, muscles, heart or brain. It grows in one spot like most plants do, and can’t move from place to place like most other animals. It draws in water to feed and breathe, and feeds mostly on bacteria and other tiny creatures.

A long, fast sea creature with eight arms and two long tentacles. Most squid can change the colour of their skin so that they can blend into the background and avoid being eaten by dolphins!