All About Sand Dollars
in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
As you stroll along the beautiful shores of Alabama's Beaches, you might come across a curious treasure - the sand dollar. These enchanting creatures have captivated beachgoers for generations for their unique appearance and the rich symbolism and legends surrounding them.
Facts About Sand Dollars
While many of us recognize sand dollars as white, disk-shaped objects on the beach, there's much more to these creatures than meets the eye:
- Living sand dollars are not white. They're usually brown, gray, or even have a purplish tint, with tiny, fuzzy spines covering their bodies.
- They're related to starfish and are burrowing sea urchins.
- Sand dollars eat using tiny hair-like structures called cilia, which move food particles to their mouth on the bottom side.
- They can burrow into the sand to protect themselves from rough waters or predators.
- Like tree rings, sand dollars' ages can be determined by counting the growth rings on their exoskeleton.
- Sand dollars typically live for 6-10 years.
Legends & Symbolism
Over time, sand dollars have inspired various legends. Some say they represent coins lost by mermaids or the people of the mythical city of Atlantis. Others say sandollars represent the story of Christ, with the five dove-shaped pieces inside representing peace and goodwill. They are often associated with positive meanings such as inner strength, protection, flexibility, and adaptability.
Sand Dollar Conservation
While finding sand dollars on the beach is exciting, it's crucial to remember our responsibility to protect these creatures and their habitat. Follow these guidelines to help safeguard sand dollars:
Leave only footprints: If you find a live sand dollar, gently return it to the water. They can only survive a few minutes out of water.
Look, don't take: Removing live sand dollars from the water is illegal. If you're unsure whether a sand dollar is alive or dead, it's best to leave it be.
Identify live sand dollars: Living sand dollars are usually fuzzy and darker in color (brown, gray, or purple). White sand dollars you typically see have already died and bleached by the sun.
Respect local regulations: Be aware of and follow local rules or guidelines for collecting shells or sea creatures.
Educate others: While walking along the beach, share your knowledge about sand dollars and the importance of protecting marine life with fellow beachgoers, especially children. Instead of carrying a bag to collect shells and sand dollar fragments, use it to collect any litter.
Watch for these remarkable creatures when you visit Alabama’s Beaches. Look closely, but tread lightly, leaving these fascinating creatures to continue their essential role in the delicate balance of our ocean ecosystems. You might find whole sand dollars or fragments mixed with shells near the shoreline. The joy of discovering a sand dollar in its natural habitat outweighs the temporary pleasure of taking one home. By practicing responsible beach etiquette and leaving only footprints, we can ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy the wonder of sand dollars and the diverse marine life of our coastal ecosystems.
