Beachcombers along the Texas coast were in for a treat this past week as numerous Sand Dollars washed up along the shoreline. These delicate, round sea creatures are a favorite find for many, whether discovered alive in the shallow surf or as smooth, bleached skeletons known as ƵtestsƵ scattered in the sand.
Sand Dollars are a type of burrowing sea urchin that live just beneath the sandy seafloor. They use tiny, hair-like spines to move and feed on organic particles in the water. When alive, they appear dark purple or reddish-brown and have a velvety texture due to their dense covering of spines. However, after they die, their soft tissue wears away, revealing the hard, white exoskeleton that so many beachcombers love to collect.
The recent strong tides and waves likely stirred up the sandy bottom, dislodging both live and dead Sand Dollars and carrying them to shore. If you happen upon a live Sand Dollar, itƵs best to return it to the water, as they are an important part of the marine ecosystem. One way to tell if a Sand Dollar is alive is to gently hold it in your palmƵif tiny spines are moving, itƵs still alive.
Dead Sand Dollars, on the other hand, make for beautiful keepsakes. Many people enjoy collecting them for crafts, decorations, or simply as a reminder of their time at the beach. A fascinating fact about Sand Dollars is that when broken, they reveal five small, bird-shaped pieces inside, which some refer to as Ƶdoves of peace.Ƶ
This recent Sand Dollar wash-up offered a perfect opportunity for beachcombers to observe the life cycle of these fascinating creatures. Whether carefully returning a live one to the sea or taking home a smooth, white test as a souvenir, finding a Sand Dollar is always a special beachcombing experience.
Tides this weekend will be lowest early in the morning, so get on the beach as the sun rises for the best beachcombing time.
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