Sea Potato | Reserves and species

Scientific Name:

Echinocardium cordatum

Also known as the 'Heart Urchin' due to its distinctive shape, this medium-sized sea-urchin is densely covered in fine, beige spines, giving it a hairy appearance. The Sea Potato lives buried in up to 15cm of muddy and sandy sediments from the shore to 200 metres deep.

How to identify:

The familiar, spine-less, pale brown 'test' (shell) of the dead animal is often washed up on the shore. It is recognisable by the heart shape, dull colour and thin, brittle shell. The animal itself is covered in dense spines and yellow-brown in colour.

Where to find it:

Found on sandy and muddy shores all round our coasts.

How people can help:

Sea-urchins and starfish provide a vital link in the food chain for many of our rarer species. Our seas and coastline are in need of protection if we are to keep our marine wildlife healthy. The Wildlife Trusts are working with fishermen, researchers, politicians and local people towards a vision of 'Living Seas', where marine wildlife thrives. This work has recently had a massive boost with the passing of the Marine Bill, promising sustainable development of the UK's marine environment. Do your bit for our Living Seas by supporting your local Wildlife Trust.

Statistics:

Diameter: up to 9cm

Conservation status:

Common.

Did you know?:

The common name refers to the brittle test that, when washed up on shore, resembles a potato.

Seasons:

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Winter

When to see

Start date:

January

End date:

December

Image: