St. Pete, FL is a true paradise for marine life enthusiasts. With its crystal clear waters and diverse sea creatures, it’s the perfect destination for those who want to explore the beauty of the ocean. One of the most fascinating creatures you can encounter close to shore is the sand dollar. In this post, we’ll explore this unique species and learn why it’s important to return brown sand dollars to the water.

What is a Sand Dollar?

Sand dollars commonly inhabit beaches and have a hard, circular shell covered in tiny spines that aid their movement and burrowing into the sand. They glide along the ocean floor in shallow water near the shore, utilizing their spines to dig and move around.

Identifying a Live Sand Dollar

It’s important to remember that not all sand dollars found on the beach are dead. If you come across a brown sand dollar, it’s likely that it’s still alive and needs to be returned to the water. To determine if a sand dollar is alive, gently pick it up and hold it in your palm. If it’s still alive, you’ll be able to feel it moving and may see tiny hairs or spines moving on the underside of the shell. If it’s dead, it will be brittle and will not move.

Why Should We Return Brown Sand Dollars to the Water?

If you find a live sand dollar, it’s important to handle it with care. These fragile creatures are easily damaged. Place it gently back in the water and watch it slowly move away. Sand dollars live in shallow water near the shore and may have been washed up by waves or currents. By returning them to the water, we’re helping to keep them alive and thriving.

Exploring the Marine Life in St. Pete, FL

St. Pete, FL is home to a diverse range of marine life, and the sand dollar is just one of the many fascinating creatures you can encounter. Colorful fish, sea turtles, dolphins, and manatees are some of the many wonders waiting to be discovered in the ocean. The best part is you can see most of these from the shoreline. Whether you’re a seasoned marine enthusiast or just starting to explore the beauty of the ocean, St. Pete, FL is the perfect destination for your next adventure.

Exploring the close-to-shore marine life in St. Pete, FL is an unforgettable experience. The sand dollar is just one of the most amazing creatures you can encounter. By learning about their behavior and habitat, we can help to preserve their natural environment. Keeping them thriving for generations to come.

So the next time you’re strolling along the beach, keep an eye out for these fascinating creatures! Remember to return any brown sand dollars to the water to help protect and conserve our ocean friends.