Brittle stars are echinoderms closely related to sea stars, but far more agile thanks to their long, snake-like arms that move independently from the central disc. Found from shallow tide pools to the deepest ocean trenches, they are among the most abundant animals on the ocean floor. Their arms are remarkably fragile and can be autotomized (deliberately shed) to escape predators, regenerating completely over several weeks — a key survival adaptation.
About the Brittle Star
Ophiura ophiura
Advertisement
⚡ Speed Comparison
📸 Photo Gallery
💡 Fun Facts
01
Brittle stars can regenerate a severed arm completely, and some species can even regenerate the entire body from a single arm.
02
Some brittle star species are bioluminescent, producing flashes of light to startle predators.
03
Brittle stars can move surprisingly fast for echinoderms, 'rowing' with their arms at up to 2 body lengths per second.
04
They lack a true stomach; digestion occurs in 10 blind pouches called bursae that also function as gills.
05
Brittle stars were among the first animals to evolve microlens eye structures — their entire skeleton may function as a compound eye.
📍 Where to Find This Animal
Habitat Types:
Ocean Floor
🛒 Brittle Star Related Gear
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Join the Conversation
Share your thoughts about the Brittle Star