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Short-spined brittle star Scientific Name: Ophioderma brevispina Field Markings: Green or brown in color Size: Diameter of the central disc is about half an inch, with an arm length reaching 2.5 inches Habitat: Tide pools, under rocks or shells Seasonal Appearance: Year-round DISTINGUISHING FEATURES AND BEHAVIORS The short-spined brittle star is an echinoderm, usually green or brown in color. Its spine lies flat against its arms, with seven short spines on either side of each arm joint. The diameter of the central disc is about half an inch, with an arm length of one and a half to two and a half inches long; however, their size is dependent on their predation. The word “brittle” means “easily breakable.” These creatures are so named because they have the ability to shed a limb in an instant to avoid predation. Like their echinoderm relatives, they are also able to regenerate body parts. Brittle stars do not rely on their tube feet for movement. Rather, they use their five long, whiplike arms, which are capable of fast, snakelike motions. These inverts are very flexible, highly mobile and easily camouflaged among plants. They can be seen at night in large groups crawling along the sea floor. Brittle stars feed mostly on decaying material and plankton. They have no eyespots like other sea stars, but are able to sense some light through their body. There are over 2,000 species of brittle stars found throughout the world. They are often found in tide pools, hiding in algae and under rocks or shells or, sometimes, disguised in dark, heavy algal mats from Cape Cod south. RELATIONSHIP TO PEOPLE Scientists have found brittle stars to be sensitive to polarized light and the species may be used as an indicator of harmful levels of ultraviolet radiation. HOW TO GET YOUR OWN COPY RISAA members can purchase their own copy of The Uncommon Guide To Common Life on Narragansett Bay for $15 from the RISAA Merchandise Committee. Stop by the committee table at any monthly RISAA meeting. P.O. Box 763 Londonderry, NH 03053 Tel: 603-434-4689 Fax: 603-432-3902 E-mail: [email protected] Manufacturer of Fine Terminal Tackle for the Saltwater Fisherman Snelled Hooks, Top and Bottom Rigs, Lures, Tubes, Leadheads, Umbrella Rigs and more.... Check out our web site at www.seawolfetackle.com Owned and operated by Richard and Judy Wolfe - 39 - R.I.S.A.A. / April, 2013