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Dendraster excentricus (Sand dollar)
Copyright ©
2005 Mary Jo Adams
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Sand
dollars are closely related to sea urchins. Compared to an
urchin, a sand dollar's shell (more properly referred to as a "test"
in both urchins and sand dollars) is flattened and has very short
spines which gives it a velvety look. Colors range from grayish-lavender
or brown, to purplish black and these little animals grow to a diameter
of about 4 inches. Sand dollars tend to live in aggregations.
In quiet subtidal waters, they sit tipped up on edge in the
sand like a chip set in chip dip. In areas with more water
movement such as the intertidal zone, Dendraster lays
flat on the substrate and may bury themselves in sand as the tide
recedes. Sand dollars feed on detritus and are preyed on
by fish, sea stars, and gulls.
This page was created by Mary Jo Adams on 12/6/05.
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