Water movement over the contours, crevices and coloured rocks and algae of the intertidal gives rise to a dynamic mix of colours and blends that flow with a life and energy of their own. Marine invertebrates of the intertidal are confronted with extreme conditions, being exposed to desiccation at low tide and wave action at high tide. Yet, intertidal species have adapted to their environment and many rely on the tides ebb and flow to transport their pelagic larvae to distant locations. In my research, I thus expect habitat and dispersion to influence the distribution of the species and their genes.