Spiny Brittle Star
Ophiocoma echinata
The adult spiny brittle star inhabits coral reefs, rocky bottoms, and seagrass beds in the tropical western Atlantic. It spends much of the day concealed in crevices, then extends its long arms at night to gather drifting particles, detritus, and small prey. Sharp arm spines provide protection, while brittle arms can be shed to escape a predator and later regenerated.
- Type
- Water / Shell
- Conservation status
- NE
Growth chain
- ?
- ?
- Spiny Brittle Star