Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary

Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary supports the most diverse intertidal rocky reef communities in Victoria. The exposed ocean area of this sanctuary contains numerous subtidal pools and boulders in the intertidal area and basalt substrates, which provide a rich variety of microhabitats. Flora & Fauna Numerous rectangular crabs scurry under rocks and there are multicoloured cushion sea-stars, small spiralled shells of all shapes and sizes and rows of daisy-like anemones. Recent discoveries include sea stars that brood their young in the stomach and other tiny sea star species that were once thought to be juveniles. Fish, including Saddled Wrasse and Magpie Morwong, swim hastily between the fronds. Strange box-like Cowfish and Weedy Sea-dragons beat their small fins continuously to hover furtively over the seagrass beds.