Sea Potato

Overview

The Sea Potato (Echinocardium cordatum) is a heart-shaped, irregular sea urchin uniquely adapted for a life buried within sandy substrates. Unlike typical spherical urchins, it possesses a distinct front and back, allowing it to navigate through sediment with ease.

Appearance

This urchin is covered in a dense mat of fine, yellowish-brown spines that point backward, giving it a furry or "hairy" appearance. Its calcite skeleton, or test, is heart-shaped and typically measures between 6 and 9 cm in length. The upper surface is flattened with a noticeable indentation near the front, while specialized spoon-shaped spines assist the animal in burrowing.

Biology & Behavior

Sea Potatoes live in permanent burrows up to 20 cm beneath the surface of clean sand. They maintain a connection to the surface through a respiratory funnel, which provides a fresh flow of water. While they spend most of their time buried, they are capable of moving through the sediment at a slow pace. These urchins can live for up to 20 years and are often found in temperate seas worldwide.

Feeding

As deposit feeders, Sea Potatoes use their specialized tube feet to collect organic detritus from the surrounding sediment. They transport this material down into their burrows to feed, playing an important role in processing organic matter within their sandy habitats.