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Eccentric Sand Dollar

Unlike the dead sand dollars that beachcombers find, living sand dollars are covered with a velvety layer of spines!

 

The eccentric sand dollar, also called the Pacific sand dollar, is found along the Pacific coast of North America, from Alaska to Baja, California. They often live near the shore, inhabiting depths up to 90 meters (295.3 feet) down. The distinctive star pattern that it shows on its outside mirrors its internal structure. Its body — called a test — is covered in tiny purple-gray or black velvety spines that give it a fuzzy texture when alive. These spines, along with the sand dollar’s tube feet, help the animal move, burrow, and direct food toward their mouth on the underside of their body. 

As adults, eccentric sand dollars tend to come together in groups where they orient themselves upright in the sandy seafloor. By positioning themselves this way, they can capture more plankton and organic particles drifting by. Juveniles may even ingest sand grains to increase their weight, helping them stay anchored against strong currents or waves. If a sand dollar doesn’t like its location, it can reorient itself to lie flat and crawl along the seafloor.

 

 

This species is considered to be relatively abundant and not currently in danger of extinction.

 

 

Protecting coastal waters can help safeguard these unique and delicate invertebrates to ensure their population remains healthy. Oceana campaigns to protect coastal ecosystems along the U.S. West Coast, where eccentric sand dollars live, to protect them and all the other amazing wildlife found in those waters. 

 

 

 

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