Sand Dollar

Dendraster Sand Dollars are primarily found along the Pacific coast of North America, from Alaska to Baja California, Mexico. They inhabit intertidal zones and shallow subtidal areas, often burrowing into sandy or muddy sediments, where they can partially bury themselves. Dendraster sand dollars are filter feeders. They use their tube feet to capture organic particles, such as plankton and detritus, from the water column. The unique pattern on the upper surface of a sand dollar's test may be used to distinguish different species within the genus Dendraster. Sand Dollars may disturb substrate and other tank inhabitants. It's essential to avoid using copper-based treatments in a tank with sea urchins, as it can harm them. Always follow the recommended guidelines for medication use in marine aquariums.

Dendraster excentricus Urchins are also known as Sand Dollars. Not commonly seen in the aquarium trade. Sand Dollars are covered in fine, velvety spines and have a dark purplish to reddish-brown coloration. However, when they are found on beaches, the sun-bleached and dried exoskeletons are usually white or pale gray and lack the spines. They can grow to almost 4".

Water conditions: Salinity 1.023 - 1.025 Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Hardness 8 - 12 dKH