Mellita quinquiesperforata is a tropical species of sand dollar, a flat, round marine animal related to sea urchins, starfish, and other echinoderms. They have been found to possess significantly more food in the gut at night than in the day. This species can be found along the eastern coast of the United States and the coast of Brazil. Inverted sand dollars are able to recognize flow direction and respond by modifying their orientation to maximize lift and drag for righting their position.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it venomous or poisonous?
We have no record of Five-slotted Sand Dollar being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Echinodermata
- Class
- Echinoidea
- Order
- Echinolampadacea
- Family
- Mellitidae
- Genus
- Mellita
- Species
- Mellita quinquiesperforata
Found one? Take a photo and B.inomen will suggest what it is, free.
Check your photo