beach animal?

Question

what are the little tube things that stick out of the sand right by the ocean?

Answer 1

These are called as TUSK SHELLS or SCAPHOPODA.

The Scaphopoda are a distinctive group of molluscs commonly known as the "tusk shells" because their shells are conical and slightly curved to the dorsal side, making the shells look like tiny tusks (see the photos below). The scientific name Scaphopoda means "shovel foot", a term that refers to the "head" of the animal, which lacks eyes and is used for burrowing in marine mud and sediments. The most distinctive feature of scaphopods is that the tubular shell is open at both ends, not just one end as in most molluscs.

Scaphopods live their adult lives buried in sand or mud, with their head-end pointed downwards. Only the narrow posterior end of the shell sticks up into the seawater for water exchange and waste expulsion. Gills have been lost in the scaphopods, so the mantle tissue not only produces the shell, but also serves the function of gills in obtaining oxygen from seawater. The mantle is fused into a tube that surrounds the body of the animal, but it is open at both ends. Water is circulated around the mantle cavity by the action of numerous cilia. When the dissolved oxygen runs low, the water is ejected through the top end of the shell by contraction of the foot.

Answer 2

depends what kind of tubes they are, they could be the for mentioned tusk shells if they are a full tubed shell. If they are made out of what looks to be shell pieces and mud they could be whats known as a parchment tube worm. These things get washed up onshore sometimes.

Answer 3

Generally they're either clams, sand fleas, or worms.

Answer 4

crickets. i swear.