Hi
I found this unusual shell and have never seen anything like it. Yes it is a real shell. Anyone have any ideas as to what it may be. It was found around Sydney.
http://www.badongo.com/pic/2653548
I have a link to more pics
http://www.badongo.com/pic/2653610
http://www.badongo.com/pic/2653662

This appears to be a piece of a sea urchin shell. The shell or "test" is made up of individual small plates which often separate after the death of the animal. Each plate has a raised protuberance which is the "ball" of a ball and socket joint by which the spines are attached to the shell. Something like this:

http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/716931/2/istockphoto_716931_sea_urchin_skeleton_2.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/77/Sea_urchin_tests.jpg/180px-Sea_urchin_tests.jpg  

--Last edited by paul monfils on 2008-01-10 15:10:21 --

Thanks Paul
You really know your shells, i am impressed. I have seen hundreds of urchins and never gave them any attention. Think i'll start to have a closer look. That was a cool pic from wiki, i want a complete one now.
thanks again
Dan

My dad says that is a Sputnik Sea Urchin. He said it was named afte a russian satilite calle the sputnik