Duozi Beach Intertidal Zone Introduction
Xiaoliuqiu Intertidal Zone is a highly popular ecological live show in the area, with a variety of performances both day and night. On several days each month, low tide falls in the evening, allowing adventurous exploration under the dark sky, illuminated by moonlight and flashlight. Although visibility is limited at night compared to daytime, visiting the intertidal zone beneath a half-moon, watching the grayish shimmering waves and the shadows of coral reefs, while listening to the gentle flow of tides, creates a surprisingly deep sense of romance on the moonlit seashore. Duozaiping Intertidal Zone is located on the northwest side of Liuqiu Island, adjacent to the southern side of the camping area, about 300 meters apart. The intertidal zone platform has a gentle terrain extending approximately 1,600 meters. To reach Duozaiping, one can follow the route from the circular highway towards the Shamak Ecological Camping Area, turning off for about 50 meters to arrive. Along the path extending from the camping area, one can catch a glimpse of birds such as the Spotted Dove, Japanese White-eye, Red-tailed Shrike, and Sparrow greeting you. This area features broad marine erosion platforms and sandy beaches, nurturing a wealth of benthic organisms, including coral groups in shallow areas, countless fish, mollusks, sea urchins, sea hares, amphipods, various hermit crabs, the Long-spined Sea Urchin, and many other intertidal species. If guided by local eco-tour leaders, one may even spot small sea snakes and shrimps at night. However, while observing, please remember not to disturb the local wildlife and return them to their original place to protect the natural resources. **Glaucus hermit crab:** The carapace of the Glaucus hermit crab can grow up to 1.5 cm in length, and its body is a light olive green to grayish-black. **Blue-ringed sea star:** At Dapeng Bay, several species of crab have been discovered, including the Net-patterned Fiddler Crab, White-fan Fiddler Crab, Northern Flattened Fiddler Crab, and Triangular Fiddler Crab. Males have one noticeably large claw that can extend three times the length of their body length. The color of fiddler crabs changes with time and tides, being darker during the day and lighter at night. Fiddler crabs cannot adapt to overly dry environments, commonly residing in the intertidal zone of Dapeng Bay, where they can be found in mangroves, bay mouths, and on beaches. **Meyer's long-spined sea urchin:** Mangroves consist of tall trees or shrubs growing along coastal rivers or estuarine intersections, mainly distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. These plants typically perform functions such as salt tolerance, wind resistance, sediment stabilization, wave reduction, water purification, coastline protection, and providing habitats for wildlife. This area marks the southern limit of mangroves in Taiwan, currently only hosting the sea holly of the Plumbaginaceae family. The main distribution areas are concentrated in the first drainage ditch of Donggang, Qimei township, and certain coastal regions of Dapeng Bay.
Duozai Ping Intertidal Zone
Tripneustes gratilla - Sea Urchin
