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BRITTLE STAR
Ophiothrix spiculata
Taxonomic Hierarchy:
Phylum: Echinodermata
Subphylum: Asterozoa
Class: Ophiuroidea
Description:
-Brittle stars are close relatives of sea stars.
-Characterized by radial symmetry with a central body from which five snakelike arms protrude. The arms are highly
flexible.
-There is no replication of internal organs, just one set in the central disk.
-Compared to starfish, brittle stars have a much smaller central disc and no anus. Wastes are eliminated through the
mouth which is situated on the underside center.
Size:
-Generally have five long slender, whip-like arms which may reach up to 60 centimeters (2 feet) in length on the largest
specimens.
Distribution:
-Brittle stars can be found today in all of the major marine provinces, from the poles to the tropics
Habitat:
-Brittle stars live in an incredible range of water depths—from the shoreline down to 6,755 feet (2,059 m).
Diet:
-Brittle stars filter plankton from the water through their spiny arms and scavenge the floor.
Facts:
-Brittle stars occur in incredible numbers on the sandy seafloor. In kelp forests near La Jolla in southern California, millions of them may carpet the seafloor in layers up to an inch thick!
-They are the fastest moving of all echinoderms
-They do not, like sea stars, depend on tube feet, which are mere sensory tentacles without suction.
Conservation:
-Conservation action has not been targeted at this common species
References:
“Brittle star -.” Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. 30 Apr. 2009 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brittle_star>.
“Spiny Brittle Star.” 29 Apr. 2009 <http://savekailuabay.com/marinelife/brittlestarfish/Site%20Folder/index.html>.
“Spiny brittle star - Ophiothrix spiculata.” Monterey Bay Aquarium, California. 29 Apr. 2009 <http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals/AnimalDetails.aspx?enc=Z5SIVkZ+n+VnT0bLLJ1CbA>.