Home › Species › Echinoderms › Giant Green Brittle Star

Giant Green Brittle Star (Ophiarachna incrassata)

Photo of Giant Green Brittle Star (Ophiarachna incrassata)

Key facts

Scientific name
Ophiarachna incrassata
Common name
Giant Green Brittle Star
Category
Echinoderms
Family
Ophiomyxidae
Genus
Ophiarachna
Size
3–6 cm
Depth
5–60 m
IUCN status
Least concern (LC)
Danger level
Harmless
Habitats
coral-reef, rocky-reef
Behaviours
benthic, nocturnal
Ocean zones
Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea

Description

Ophiarachna incrassata reaches 6 cm diameter. Giant brittle star (Ophiarachnidae) from Indo-Pacific tropics. Olive-green to lime-green, robust disc, highly mobile arms. Reef inhabitant 5-60 m. Nocturnal-detritivore. Very active benthic. Minimally threatened = LC. Magnificent observable on reef.

Photo of Giant Green Brittle Star

Photo of Giant Green Brittle Star (Ophiarachna incrassata)Photo of Giant Green Brittle Star (Ophiarachna incrassata)

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Giant Green Brittle Star?
Giant Green Brittle Star (Ophiarachna incrassata) reaches 3–6 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Giant Green Brittle Star?
Giant Green Brittle Star is found between 5–60 m deep.
Is the Giant Green Brittle Star dangerous to divers?
Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Giant Green Brittle Star?
IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Giant Green Brittle Star?
Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.

Other species in the family Ophiomyxidae

  • Ophiomyxa flaccida - Flaccid Brittle Star

Sources

  • Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 213207)
  • Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
  • Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2276473)
  • Conservation: IUCN Red List
  • Encyclopedia: Wikipedia