Browse Items (47 total)

  • Tags: Janice J. Beaty

On Pins and Needles Photo 1

This spongy urchin reminded us of a grapefruit. Underwater photo shows the urchin’s tube feet emerging at right to explore the driver’s gloved fingers. – (Photo by R. Schnuerle)

On Pins and Needles Photo 2

Short-spined urchins like this are often called ‘sea eggs’ in countries where their roe is eaten. – (R. Schnuerle)

On Pins and Needles Photo 3

Sea urchin shells seldom resemble the living creatures. The rows of round bumps represent spine attachments. In between are tiny perforations for the tube feet. – (Photo by J. Beaty)

On Pins and Needles Photo 4

Break off a spine of the slate-pencil urchin and it will grow a new one. These spines are purple outside and white inside and are used as chalk on some islands. In the Philippines wind chimes and even ‘bead’ curtains are made from the spines. (J.…

On Pins and Needles Photo 5

This long-spined urchin has been turned over to reveal its mouth opening and inner grinding mechanism called ‘Aristotle’s lantern.’ – (R. Schnuerle)

On Pins and Needles Photo 6

Although the sea urchin belongs to the same family as the Pacific sea star, the starfish is one of its most voracious enemies. – (R. Schnuerle)

Shells Alive

An article by Janice J. Beaty. Beaty covers the various seashell species found on Guam

Shells Alive Photo 1

A few of the common shells of Guam: Spider Conchs, Tiger Cowries, Streaked and Textile Cones, Money Cowries, Patridge Tuns, Trochus and Turbo Shells, Augers and open Clam

Shells Alive Photo 2

Tiger Cowry. This large Pacific cowry is common around tropical islands and highly prized as a decoration