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brittlestar common name for echinoderms belonging to the class Ophiuroidea. The name is derived from their habit of breaking off arms as a means of defense. New arms are easily regenerated. They are also called serpent stars because of the snakelike movements of the five mobile, slender arms.
Brittlestars can be distinguished from sea stars , or starfish, by their rounded central disk, sharply set off from the arms. They have the water-vascular system and tube feet common to all echinoderms; unlike sea stars, brittlestars lack open grooves (ambulacral grooves) on the lower surface of the arms, and the tube feet serve as tactile organs. Also unlike sea stars, brittlestars walk with their arms; only some species use the tube feet for locomotion. Each arm contains a series of jointed, bonelike internal calcite plates, or ossicles, which determine the freedom of arm movements. The body and arms of brittlestars are also protected by calcite plates, which in some species consist of arrays of microlenses that focus light onto a nerve bundle, acting like a compound eye. Brittlestars can move quickly and in any direction.
Individuals are relatively small, usually less than 1 in. (2.5 cm) across the central disk, although the arms may be quite long. They are inconspicuous and often nocturnal, living under rocks, among seaweed, or buried in the sand. All are marine species, feeding on detritus and small living or dead animals. The arms move the larger food masses to the mouth, where they are fragmented by a complex jaw apparatus. Tube feet move smaller particles to the mouth. As a rule, sexes are separate, and fertilization occurs in the open sea after gametes have been discharged. A characteristic armed larval stage, the ophiopluteus, undergoes a profound metamorphosis to produce the rayed adult form.
About 2,000 species of ophiuroids are known, and a number are common along American coasts. Brittlestars are classified in the phylum Echinodermata , class Ophiuroidea.
What else can I help you with?
Are brittle stars asexual or sexual?
Some brittle stars breed asexually. Most brittle stars are either male or female however some species are hermaphroditic.
What is the difference between the brittle stars and the basket stars?
Brittle stars have long, flexible arms that help them move quickly, while basket stars have branched arms that are used for filter feeding. Brittle stars typically have five arms, while basket stars can have 10 or more arms that branch out extensively. Additionally, basket stars are usually found in deeper waters compared to brittle stars.
Are brittle stars endangered?
no
How do brittle stars get food?
With there arms.
Where can brittle stars be found?
kanas
What is the biggest threat for brittle stars?
The biggest threat for brittle stars is habitat destruction caused by activities such as bottom trawling, dredging, and pollution. These activities can disrupt their environment, destroy their food sources, and impact their ability to reproduce and thrive.
Are Brittle stars cold blooded?
Yes, brittle stars are cold-blooded animals, meaning they cannot regulate their body temperature internally. Instead, they rely on external sources of heat to maintain their body temperature.
What are Brittle stars Predators?
Brittle stars have predators such as larger fish, crabs, sea turtles, and some marine mammals. These predators feed on brittle stars by crushing or grabbing them with their strong jaws or claws. Brittle stars use their regenerative abilities to regrow lost limbs as a defense mechanism against predators.
Do brittle stars live in rock pools?
Yes they do.
What are the groups of echinoderms?
Sea stars, brittle stars, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers.
What do sciences call brittle starfish?
Brittle stars or ophiuroids. These are echinoderms in the class Ophiuroidea closely related to starfish.
Do deep sea brittle stars lay eggs?
No, deep sea brittle stars do not lay eggs. Usually, they give birth to live, free swimming larvae. The stars are hermaphroditic, so they all give birth.
