Sand Dollar
(Clypeaster subdepressus)

Descrição

The `Clypeaster subdepressus`, or Sand Dollar, is a fascinating marine invertebrate that can be a unique addition to a specialized home aquarium.

**Appearance & Behavior:** These flattened sea urchins possess a distinctive disc-shaped test (skeleton), typically ranging in color from yellow to dark tan, brown, or purplish when alive. Their surface is covered with short, dense, movable spines that give them a velvety texture and aid in movement and feeding. Sand Dollars are masters of burrowing, quickly burying themselves just beneath the sand surface for protection and to sift for food. They are generally slow-moving, using tiny cilia to propel themselves.

**Care Level:** Maintaining Sand Dollars requires an intermediate to advanced level of care due to their specific needs for a mature, stable marine environment. They are peaceful invertebrates, but compatibility with tank mates is crucial as some fish or larger invertebrates may prey on them. They thrive in established, well-filtered saltwater aquariums.

**Tank Essentials:** A minimum tank size of 180-200 litres (approximately 50 gallons) is recommended for a Sand Dollar to provide adequate sandy substrate. A deep sand bed of at least 7.5-10 cm (3-4 inches) of fine aragonite sand is essential for burrowing and sifting. Maintain a salinity of 1.020-1.025 specific gravity, a temperature of 22-26°C (72-78°F), and a pH range of 8.1-8.4. Ammonia and nitrite must be 0 ppm.

**Diet:** The Sand Dollar is an omnivore, feeding primarily on organic detritus, microscopic algae, and diatoms found in the sand. They continuously sift through the substrate, using their spines and tube feet to move food particles to their mouth. Supplemental feeding with marine pellets, flake foods, or cyclopeeze can be beneficial if natural detritus is insufficient.

**Why Buy From Us:** When you buy Sand Dollar online from us, you receive healthy, responsibly sourced marine invertebrates. Our robust acclimation and shipping protocols ensure your new sand dollar arrives in prime condition, ready to thrive in your carefully prepared aquarium. We prioritize the well-being of all our healthy aquarium fish and invertebrates, providing expert advice for successful integration.

• Scientific Name: Clypeaster subdepressus
• Common Name / Variant: Sand Dollar
• Maximum Size: Up to 30 cm (12 inches)
• Origin: Western Atlantic (North Carolina to Brazil), Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico
• pH Range: 8.1–8.4
• Temperature: 22–26°C (72-78°F)
• Lifespan: 6–10 years
• Swimming Zone: Bottom

Add this unique sand-sifting invertebrate to your marine ecosystem today!