Dendraster excentricus

The Eccentric Sand Dollar.

Phylum Echniodermata
Class Echinoidea
Order Clypeasteroidea
Suborder Scutellina
Family Dendrasteridae
Genus Dendraster
Species excentricus

Description: 75 mm wide to 6 mm high.; light gray, brown to dark purple; disk-shaped; near circular test, flat upper and lower surfaces are covered by fine, spiny tube feet; central mouth on lower surface.

Habitat: Normally found subtidally, but sometimes found in the low intertidal zone on sandy beaches. In the South Sound it has been found at Burfoot Beach.

Natural History: Groups of these animals can be found half buried in the sand near the low tide line in quiet waters. It feeds on diatoms and detritus that fall onto the surface of the sand dollar and are then moved to the mouth via the cilia that cover its body.