Pansy shell (Echinodiscus bisperforatus) – A flat, biscuit-like urchin with two closed slits in the back half of the test (hard outer shell of sea urchins). The short fur-like spines drop off after the animal dies. Tubefeet extend through a petal-like pattern of holes on the upper surface. The animal burrows just below the sand surface in sheltered waters, feeding on fine, organic particles sorted from the sediment. Occurs from Cape Agulhas up the East Coast of Africa.
Pansy shells are protected and should not be picked up or disturbed. Despite which it is something we will all do.