E-1641 SEA BISCUIT, Clypeaster subdepressus
A large flattened sea urchin that produces clear eggs. A commensal green algae grows into the test. This species is rare in our area, but is sporadically available in deep dredge hauls. Size 10-14 cm.
HABITAT
They can be found anywhere from North Carolina to the Carribean. They are usually on the bottom of sand fields and shelly sediment with minimal seagrass (Hendler et al., 1995).
BEHAVIOR
They hide themselves just beneath the surface of the sand. They are able to rebury themselves within 6-12 minutes and when they are turned upside down, they are able to flip themselves over in about 1 hour (Hendler et al., 1995).
VIDEOS
ADDITIONAL READING
Embryonic, Larval, and Juvenile Development of the Sea Biscuit Clypeaster subdepressus
REFERENCES
Hendler. G, Miller. J, Pawson. D and Kier. P. Sea Stars, Sea Urchins, and Allies. Smithsonian Institution Press, 1995.