Brittlestars can be distinguished from sea stars, or starfish, by their rounded central disk, sharply set off from the arms.
Common Brittlestar Ophiothrix fragilis
This large brittlestar species gathers in dense groups that may cover several square miles of sea bed in areas where there are strong tidal currents.
Common brittlestar (Ophiothrix fragilis)
Like all brittlestars, the common brittlestar has five long, slender arms, which radiate out from a central disc. The mouth is located in... More 7 Images 1 Video ...
Brittlestars and bivalves have ways to cope with strong currents.
Flowing fresh
Natural World ...
Ophiocoma sp. - Brittlestar
Class Echinoidea (Sea Urchins, Sand Dollars)
Order Arbacioida ...
Subgroups of echinoderms include starfish, sea lilies, feather stars, brittlestars, sea cucumbers, and sea urchins.
The benthos live on the ocean floor. Starfish, oysters, clams, sea cucumbers, brittlestars and anemone are all benthos. Most benthos feed on food as it floats by or scavenge for food on the ocean floor. Life at the Bottom ...
Byrne, M., P. Cisternas and T. O'Hara, 2008. Brooding of pelagic-type larvae in Ophipeza spinosa: reproduction and development in a tropical ophiodermatid brittlestar. Invertebrate Biology, 127: 98-107.
 See also: Shell, Starfish, Sea Urchin, Coral, Sea Cucumber
  
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