Living Sand Dollars [Dendraster excentricus] on Pismo Beach

I have seen a few sand dollars in my life but this was the first time I ever saw live ones. There were a few burying themselves right in the middle of the beach where everyone walks, so we moved them to a more secluded area in a tide pool.

These guys are related to sea urchins and star fish, and the way you can tell they are alive is the small spines move like waves. Unless they are frightened, then they play dead. Of course, there was no doubt with most of these. We could actually watch them trying to bury themselves.

When I was searching Google to find out a little more information about them it was interesting to see that the majority of sites referring to live sand dollars were talking about how to kill and clean them. I'm thinking more people need to invest in cameras. :0)

There were a few good sites however...

• Monterey Bay Aquarium.
  One of the best sites I have found for information about sea animals.
• Gifts of a Sand Dollar.
  At least I am not the only one who is crazy enough to throw them back!