Passing a "Test"

Broken Sea Urchin Shell

Broken Sea Urchin ShellThe broken shell of a sea urchin on East Matunuck Beach

I want to share with a rare recent opportunity. That is observing sea urchin shells on East Matunuck beach. They are not only beautiful and fascinating, but also a great way to learn more about the marine life and the environment.

Sea urchins are spiny creatures that belong to the echinoderm family, which also includes starfish and sand dollars. They have a hard shell called a "test". The "test" is covered with flexible spines that help them move, feed and defend themselves. Sea urchins come in different shapes, sizes and colors, depending on the species and habitat. Some of them are spherical, some are oval, some are purple, some are green, some are red, and so on.

When sea urchins die, their spines fall off and their tests are often washed ashore by the waves. That's when you can find them on the beach and admire their intricate patterns and designs. They look like little works of art.

1 of 950

1 of 950Sea urchin shell on East Matunuck State Beach

Sea urchins are spiny creatures that belong to the echinoderm family, which also includes starfish and sand dollars. They have a hard shell called a "test". The "test" is covered with flexible spines that help them move, feed and defend themselves. Sea urchins come in different shapes, sizes and colors, depending on the species and habitat. Some of them are spherical, some are oval, some are purple, some are green, some are red, and so on. Overall, there are about 950 different types of sea urchins. 

1 0f 950 Composed

1 0f 950 ComposedSea urchin shell on East Matunuck State Beach

When sea urchins die, their spines fall off and their tests are often washed ashore by the waves. That's when you can find them on the beach and admire their intricate patterns and designs. They look like little works of art.

Spiny Urchin

Spiny UrchinSea urchin washed up on the sand of East Matunuck State Beach

Spiny Urchin on the Sand

Spiny Urchin on the SandSea urchin washed up on the sand of East Matunuck State Beach

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