Dendraster excentricus (sand dollar)

Found in area 7, sometimes 6.

Sand dollars are abundant at the Cove. They are brown when alive and are soft with a covering of spines and tube feet. It is interesting to watch the tube feet move when examining them. They glisten in sunlight. They eat diatoms, plankton, and algae. A sand dollar cannot turn itself over and will die if left upside down. Be sure if you handle them that the star appears on top when replaced in their habitat. Sand dollars turn white after they die. In the sand you can see a sand dollar’s movement even when it is buried.

When the tide changes they sometimes turn on end.

Top view of Dendraster excentricus. Dendraster excentricus got its name from its shape. The outside edge of the shell does not form a neat circle. The star pattern on the top of the shell is off center. This eccentric quality let to the name.

Bottom view of Dendraster excentricus

“Doves” freed from Dendraster excentricus. “Doves” form the jaw structure of the animal.