How big is the Common brittle star?

Common brittle star (Ophiothrix fragilis) reaches 10–20 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Common brittle star?

Common brittle star is found between 0–350 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Common brittle star?

IUCN status: Least concern (LC).

Where can you find the Common brittle star?

Found in: East Atlantic, Mediterranean.

Common brittle star (Ophiothrix fragilis)

Key facts

Scientific name: Ophiothrix fragilis
Common name: Common brittle star
Category: Echinoderms
Family: Ophiotrichidae
Genus: Ophiothrix
Size: 10–20 cm
Depth: 0–350 m
IUCN status: Least concern (LC)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: rocky, reef, sand
Behaviours: gregarious, nocturnal
Ocean zones: East Atlantic, Mediterranean

Description

Ophiothrix fragilis measures 10 to 20 cm across with arms extended. Small round central disc surrounded by 5 long, thin, very spiny arms, in extremely variable colors: red, orange, purple, yellow, striped. Forms dense aggregations on rocky bottoms, wrecks and in crevices. Filter feeder: catches plankton with raised arms. Common in the Mediterranean and NE Atlantic from 0 to 350 m. Explosive spring spawning.

Photo of Common brittle star

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Common brittle star?: Common brittle star (Ophiothrix fragilis) reaches 10–20 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Common brittle star?: Common brittle star is found between 0–350 m deep.
Is the Common brittle star dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Common brittle star?: IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Common brittle star?: Found in: East Atlantic, Mediterranean.

Similar species

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 125131)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5187835)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia