Kelp
Kelps are large brown algae seaweeds that make up the order Laminariales. There are about 30 different genera.
Margarites pupillus
Habitat preference:
"Margarites pupillus" is found among kelp beds of the large brown kelp "A. fimbriatum" in the San Juan Islands, WA, USA. These snails are typically found on the upper surfaces of kelp rather than on the bottom beneath it. Evidence suggests that the kelp provides a safe haven for these snails where they are separated from benthic predators, especially crabs. Gut analyses of local crab-eating fishes including kelp greenling and cabezon sculpin showed that 85% of all guts analyzed contained remains of crabs, including those known to prey on "M. pupillus" while only 2% contained operculi of "M. pupillus". These results suggest that crabs probably avoid upper surfaces of kelp where they would be more exposed to fish predation, making them safer places for snails to live.