Brittle Star - Ecology

Ecology

Brittle stars live in areas from the low-tide level downwards. Six families live at least 2 meters deep; the genera Ophiura, Amphiophiura, and Ophiacantha range below 4 meters. Shallow species live among sponges, stones, or coral, or under the sand or mud, with only their arms protruding. Two of the best-known shallow species are the green brittle star (Ophioderma brevispina), found from Massachusetts to Brazil, and the common European brittle star (Ophiothrix fragilis). Deep-water species tend to live in or on the sea floor or adhere to coral or urchins. The most widespread species is the long-armed brittle star (Amphipholis squamata), a grayish or bluish species that is strongly luminescent.