Sand Dollar

Species/Animal: (Invertebrates) Sand Dollar (Dendraster excentricus)

Description:
The Sand Dollar is a peaceful species that is reef-safe with caution, admired for its unique flat, disc-like body, intricate patterns, and fascinating burrowing behavior. These invertebrates are not flashy in color but are highly valued for their distinctive shape and natural role as sand sifters, contributing to a cleaner and healthier substrate in aquariums.

Sexual Dimorphism:

• Males typically appear similar in external structure to females and are not visually distinguishable; reproductive differences are internal.

• Females/Juveniles resemble males in appearance, with juveniles being smaller and lighter in color until maturity.

Size & Tank Requirements:
They reach about 3–4 inches in diameter and should be housed in aquariums of at least 50 gallons, ideally with a mature, deep sandbed for burrowing and feeding.

Habitat Needs:
Provide a fine sandbed (essential for burrowing), some live rock for biological filtration, and open sandy space rather than crowded rock structures. Stable water parameters are critical:

• Salinity: ~1.020–1.025

• Temperature: ~72–79°F

• pH: ~8.1–8.4

A secure lid is recommended for aquariums, though Sand Dollars are not jumpers; the lid prevents disturbances and helps maintain stable conditions.

Diet:
Sand Dollars are primarily detritivores and filter feeders, sifting through sand to consume microscopic algae, organic detritus, and plankton. In captivity, their diet should consist of microalgae, phytoplankton, and fine particulate foods such as powdered invertebrate foods, with occasional supplementation of mysis or enriched brine shrimp nauplii in very fine form.

Care Note:
Sand Dollars are sensitive in captivity, requiring mature aquariums with stable sandbeds and abundant microfauna. With proper care, this fascinating invertebrate makes a standout and unusual addition to specialized marine aquariums.

algae, etc.], and with proper care this fish makes a standout addition to the aquarium.

International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee: All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. On request, we also send photos/videos after arrival at IA. Some species are import-to-order (3-10 business days). Many common species are already cleared or near the end of QT.

Several species will be import-to-order and may take anywhere from 3-10 business days to secure. Once your fish is secured, you will be notified, and the quarantine process will then begin.