Attend a walk this weekend to learn about Mumbai's diverse marine life

PICS COURTESY/NISHNA MEHTA

If the Hermit Crab, Sea Sponge, and octopus species on the shores of Carter Road start talking to you this Sunday, you've either had a wild Saturday night, or you're at theatremaker Nishna Mehta's Tidepool Tamasha.

The immersive storytelling session conceptualised by Mehta and Shaunak Modi of Marine Life Mumbai (MLOM), features an exploration walk, followed by a story featuring the oft-overlooked intertidal marine creatures.

Nishna Mehta

Based on Sejal Mehta's children's title Whoop, Goes the Pufferfish (Pratham Books) the story and characters are improvised every session based on the tidal conditions. Co-star and marine researcher Raniya Ansari will join the session for deeper scientific insights. "The story follows a pufferfish who gets stuck in a tidepool with unfamiliar neighbours. The relatable characters stay with you long after the session," Mehta shares. Does the fish ultimately make it back home? Only time and tide will tell; and if you know a thing about them, you'll be there on time.

ON April 19; 7.30 am
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What are tidepools?

The high and low tides of the sea leave tiny pools of water on the rocky shores of the city. These pools thrive with marine life. You'll find tidepools in the zone between the high tide and the low tide mark, referred to as the intertidal zone. While fascinating, tidepools can sometimes harbour toxic creatures. Practise caution, and have expert help at hand if possible.

Marine stars

The storyteller gives us a sneak peek of two characters from the seaside drama

Hermit Crab

PIC COURTESY/Shaunak Modi

Named after its solitary behaviour, this crab finds shelter in empty shells on the shores, and carries this home wherever it goes. "I'll find you a shell!' the crab assures the pufferfish in the story.

Common Octopus

PIC COURTESY/Sachin Rane

This eight-limbed popular tidepool resident is intelligent, fast, and flexible. Its soft body allows it to squeeze through crevices and live under rocks. The octopus might make a special appearance this weekend.

'Since octopus species are hard to identify visually, Octopus sp. as per latin nomenclature, refers to a species that is not identified yet.