How to tell whether a sand dollar is alive?

[Moose016]

Thanks, I think I can tell now. I'll be sure I'm only grabbing the dead ones, thats what I was concerned about to begin with. I don't have much time to waste at 110ft. waiting to see if they move.

 

[Mr.X]

Thanks, I think I can tell now. I'll be sure I'm only grabbing the dead ones, thats what I was concerned about to begin with. I don't have much time to waste at 110ft. waiting to see if they move.

I also remember the lives ones were in a feeding position at an angle to the bottom.
http://www.mbayaq.org/efc/living_species/print.asp?inhab=143
Partially in, partially out out of the bottom and definitely covered in hairs. Saw a colony once near Monastery Beach in Monterey. Looked like purple vanilla wafers stuck in pound cake...maybe I can use this treat (sand dollar surprise cake) in my imagined restaurant? Someday, sniff. :crying2:

X

 

[spectrum]

If you are real lucky you can actually spot the tracks in the sad that show where they were "walking".

If you want to collect them go to the shore after a big storm.

Pete