Rocky shores are inhabited by a large diversity of snails, which in turn belong to a group of animals known as molluscs, most of which have a hard outer shell. An example of these is the Maltese topshell, which is found only in the Maltese Islands. The outer shell in molluscs may sometimes be flat, as in limpets or in chitons, so that the animal can attach itself tightly to the rock surface and not be carried away by waves during a storm.

In shallow coastal waters close to rocky shores, a large variety of green, red and brown algae may be found. A type of crustacean known as isopod may be observed scurrying around on rocky shores; this is usually a favourite with fishermen as fishing bait. Other crustaceans, known as barnacles, are found lower down along the coast and are also observed along the sides of boats and other floating structures. Fishermen and sailors often use special paints on their boats to prevent barnacles from attaching to them.

Rocky shores are inhabited by a large diversity of snails, which in turn belong to a group of animals known as molluscs, most of which have a hard outer shell. An example of these is the Maltese topshell, which is found only in the Maltese Islands. The outer shell in molluscs may sometimes be flat, as in limpets or in chitons, so that the animal can attach itself tightly to the rock surface and not be carried away by waves during a storm.