When walking on the beach in Plettenberg Bay different kinds of shells from marine animals can be found like Cuttlefish bones, mussels, clams and the most attractive of all, the pansy shell (Echinodiscus bisperforatus). The pansy shell is an icon for Plettenberg Bay and is the symbol for the Bitou Municipality. Even though they are called ‘shells’, the pansy is in fact the skeleton of a sea urchin. They belong to a group of burrowing urchins (Clypeasteroida) and live in shallow sheltered bays and estuaries. The name pansy shell comes from the five-petal flower pattern they have on the top of their skeleton. They are related to the urchins known as ‘Sand Dollars’ which are found in the United States of America.
Pansy shells can be found along the south coast of South Africa, up to Mozambique. In South Africa pansy shells have been found in Mossel Bay, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and St. Francis Bay as well as a few sites along the Wild Coast Transkei and Durban. Pansy shells are flat sea urchins and they feed on microorganisms in the sand. During a study of the pansy shell population in Plettenberg Bay in 1991(Bentley A.C and co*ckcroft A.C.), two colonies were studied, one along Robberg Beach and one on Lookout beach. It was found that pansy shells occur in waters 4-10 m in depth and lie buried in approximately 5 cm of sand (non were found on the sand surface). The study also showed that they seem to live in patchy colonies with some areas having a high density of pansy shells, and others had none.
Like most echinoderms, pansy shells are broadcast spawners, meaning that the females and males release their eggs and sperm into the water simultaneously. The pansy larvae will spend months in the water column growing in size and searching for a suitable habitat to settle on and metamorphose into their adult form. Pansy shells prefer fine, well sorted sediment that is mostly found in log-spiral bays of the southern and eastern coasts of South Africa.
Pansy shells were classified as an endangered species in 1973 in South Africa and protected by the Sea Fisheries Act of 1973: No. 82. In 2004 their conservation classification was downgraded from ‘endangered’ to ‘protected species’ under the Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act 10 of 2004). To qualify for protected species status in South Africa the species needs to be indigenous, of high conservation value or national importance and requires national protection.
Pansy shells are at risk of over exploitation through their collection for souvenirs, scientific investigations and the aquarium trade. To collect washed-up shells for souvenirs does not necessarily effect their survival because at this stage they are already dead. However, the collection of live specimens for the purpose of drying and selling can have severe consequences for the survival of the species and it is illegal to do so without a permit. Scientist also collect marine organism to try to find useful compounds to make medicine (cure for cancer), if this is not controlled properly there is chance of over collection of the shells.
By Ocean Blue Crew
References.
– Bentley, A.C. 1998. Reproductive cycle and gonadal histology of Echinodiscus bisperforatus along the southern coast of South Africa. Echinoderms, San Fransisco. Mooi, R. and M. Telford (eds.). P. 571-576.
– Bentley A.C, co*ckcroft A.C. 1994. Sublittoral sand dollar (Echinodiscus bisperforatus) communities in two bays on the South African south coast. S.A. J. Zoo. 30 (1):5-17
– James D.B Pearse J.S. 1969. Echinoderms from the Gulf of Suez and the Northern Red Sea. J. Mar. Biol. Ass. India, 11 (1&2): 78-125.
– National environmental management: Biodiversity act, 2004 (act 10 of 2004): publication of lists of Critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable and protected species. Government Gazette, 23 February 2007. NO. R. 151
– Vromans, D.C. Maree, K.S. Holness S. Job N. Brown A.E 2010. The Garden Route Biodiversity Sector Plan 2010 for the George, Knysna and Bitou Municipalities ISBN 978-0-9869776-1-9
FAQs
Despite its name, the Pansy Shell isn't a true shell. It's the skeleton of a burrowing sea urchin! These fascinating creatures live in shallow bays with their flat bodies camouflaged in the sand. Live Pansy Shells have a beautiful purple-blue hue and are covered in fine spines.
What is the story of the Pansy Shell? ›
Pansy Sells are actually a part of the Urchin family and are technically Lamp Urchins. They are sometimes said to represent coins lost by mermaids or the people of Atlantis while Christian missionaries found symbolism in the fivefold radial pattern and dove-shaped internal structures.
How rare is a Pansy Shell? ›
It is a part of the urchin family, as with the Pansy Shell and it is incredibly rare to find one intact on the beach. Plettenberg Bay beach walkers and nature lovers still delight in the shelly wonders washed up by the Indian Ocean.
What makes a Pansy Shell? ›
The fragile Pansy Shells are ties of sea urchins, with flattened, irregular shells, which live buried in the sand. When the Pansy is alive, the body is covered with fine short spines, resembling fur, unlike the porcupine needles of the ordinary Sea Urchin.
What is the Latin name for the Pansy Shell? ›
Sand dollars (also known as sea cookies or snapper biscuits in New Zealand and Brazil, or pansy shells in South Africa) are species of flat, burrowing sea urchins belonging to the order Clypeasteroida.
What creature lives in a Pansy Shell? ›
Despite its name, the Pansy Shell isn't a true shell. It's the skeleton of a burrowing sea urchin! These fascinating creatures live in shallow bays with their flat bodies camouflaged in the sand. Live Pansy Shells have a beautiful purple-blue hue and are covered in fine spines.
What is the legend of the pansy? ›
5. In another German tale, pansies originally had a heavenly aroma, and people would travel from miles around to smell them. They trampled down the grasses surrounding the pansy, which ruined the feed for cattle. The pansy felt bad for the hungry cows, and prayed to God to help them.
What is special about a pansy? ›
Despite their delicate name and appearance, pansies are tough, vibrant and come in all colors of the rainbow. Not only are they one of the first signs of spring in garden centers, but their ability to bloom in cold weather makes them a staple for planting in fall too!
What are some fun facts about sand dollars? ›
Cool facts
Scientists can age a sand dollar by counting the growth rings on the plates of the exoskeleton. Sand dollars usually live six to 10 years. Sand dollars usually crowd together over an area. As many as 625 sand dollars can live in one square yard (.
Why is it called pansy? ›
The name "pansy" is derived from the French word pensée, "thought", and was imported into Late Middle English as a name of Viola in the mid-15th century, as the flower was regarded as a symbol of remembrance.
If the spines are moving at all, the sand dollar is alive. (But sure to do this gently and with caution, the spines can cause puncture wounds that can become infected.) If the sand dollar isn't white but is brown, red, or purple, it is still alive.
What is a sea pansy? ›
sea pansy, any of certain colonial marine animals of the sea pen (q.v.) group (order Pennatulacea, phylum Cnidaria). Unlike true sea pens, sea pansies lie flat on the substratum.
Where is pansy from? ›
Violas and wild pansies were cultivated in Europe by many gardeners. The origin of the plants we now call pansy began in Iver, Buckinghamshire, England. In the early 1800's an inquisitive Lord Gambier and his gardener William Thompson began crossing various Viola species. Records tell us crosses were made among V.
What is the significance of the pansy? ›
Flower Meanings // Pansy
The pansy flower represents the thoughts of lovers, shared before a word is spoken. Named for the French word for “thought” (pensee), the pansy was said to be a charmed flower, possessing telepathic magic. Attending to the plucked bloom, you could hear your lover's thoughts.
What is the story of pansy Parkinson? ›
Pansy was sorted into Slytherin House and in her fifth year became a prefect. In the same year she became a member of the short-lived Inquisitorial Squad. When the final battle of the Second Wizarding War broke out at Hogwarts on 2 May, 1998 Pansy spoke up in favour of turning Harry Potter over to Lord Voldemort.
What is the history of the pansy flower? ›
History: Pansies have a long history dating back to ancient Greece where they were used for medicinal purposes. The name “pansy” comes from the French word “pensée,” meaning “thought.” In Victorian times, pansies were used to express romantic and platonic love, and they were often given as a symbol of remembrance.
What does the pansy brooch mean? ›
'Pansy' sounds much the same as the French verb 'penser', which means 'to think'. Pansy jewelry was often exchanged between lovers, and meant the giver was always thinking of the recipient. It is these special mementos that can make any distance apart seem not far, and any length of time seem not that long.
When walking on the beach in Plettenberg Bay different kinds of shells from marine animals can be found like Cuttlefish bones, mussels, clams and the most attractive of all, the pansy shell (Echinodiscus bisperforatus). The pansy shell is an icon for Plettenberg Bay and is the symbol for the Bitou Municipality. Even though they are called ‘shells’, the pansy is in fact the skeleton of a sea urchin. They belong to a group of burrowing urchins (Clypeasteroida) and live in shallow sheltered bays and estuaries. The name pansy shell comes from the five-petal flower pattern they have on the top of their skeleton. They are related to the urchins known as ‘Sand Dollars’ which are found in the United States of America.