Asterozoa Collection

Detail of a crown of thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci), Hawaii, USA
Close-up detail of a crown of thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci); Maui, Hawaii, United States of America

Palaeocoma egertoni, a fossil ophiuroid
Palaeocoma egertoni, with arms 4.5 cm long, from the Jurassic of Dorest, England

Close-up of a sea star, Beqa Lagoon Fiji

Spiny starfish C017 / 8441
Spiny starfish (Marthasterias glacialis) under water. This large starfish usually measures about 40 centimetres across. It lives between the surface and 150 metres depth, mainly on hard substrates

Common starfish C017 / 8442
Common starfish (Asterias rubens) on rocks at low tide. Starfish are echinoderms which usually have five arms. They move by means of numerous short tubular feet, which end in suction discs

Palaeocoma egertoni, brittle star fossil C016 / 4893
Palaeocoma egertoni, brittle star fossil. Brittle stars are related to starfish but, unlike starfish, they can crawl across the sea floor using their flexible arms

Brittle star, Astrotoma agassizii
Specimen collected by Robert Falcon Scotts British Antarctic Expedition 1910-1913, also known as the Terra Nova expedition

Ophioctenella sp. brittle star
Scanning electron microscope image of the post-larval stage of a brittle star (x 110) A newly described species 1994

Ophioderma egertoni (Broderip), brittlestar
Brittlestars belong to the echinoderms and are a close relative of sea stars. This specimen dates from the Middle Lias of the Jurassic from Bridport, Dorset c. 195-189 million years old

Brittlestar
Underside of a brittlestar specimen held at the Natural History Museum, London

Ophiroid brittle stars
These invertebrates can occur in huge numbers on the deep ocean floor. Specimens held at the Natural History Museum, London

Astroboa clavata, basketstar

Palaeocoma egertoni, fossil brittle star
A fossil brittle (serpent) star found in the Jurassic and Lias of England. Maximum diameter 8cm. This specimen is a well-known Echinoderm genus and similar to todays living brittle stars

Brittlestars on gorgonian coral
Brittlestars (Ophiothrix sp. yellow) on gorgonian coral (red). Photographed at Misool, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia

Brittle star on a sea pen
Brittlestar (Ophiothrix sp. red) on a sea pen (Virgularia sp. purple). Sea pens are a type of octocoral. The brittle star is a marine invertebrate that is related to starfish

Brittle star and collapsed sea pen
Brittlestar (Ophiothrix sp. red) on a collapsed sea pen (Pteroeides sp. orange) in which a few porcelain crabs are hiding and a small fish is resting. Sea pens are a type of octocoral

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Asterozoa, a mesmerizing group of marine creatures, encompasses a wide array of fascinating species. From the intricate crown of thorns starfish found in the crystal-clear waters of Hawaii to the ancient fossil ophiuroid Palaeocoma egertoni, these captivating organisms never cease to amaze. In Beqa Lagoon Fiji, one can witness the breathtaking beauty up close as sea stars dominate the underwater landscape. Their vibrant colors and intricate patterns create an enchanting sight that leaves onlookers in awe. The spiny starfish C017 / 8441 and common starfish C017 / 8442 showcase nature's artistic prowess at its finest. Delving into history, we encounter remnants from ages past. The brittle star fossil Palaeocoma egertoni (C016 / 4893) serves as a testament to Earth's ancient inhabitants. Its delicate structure preserved over time offers glimpses into our planet's rich evolutionary tapestry. Present-day brittle stars continue to captivate with their unique characteristics. Astrotoma agassizii stands out with its spindly arms gracefully reaching out like celestial bodies in motion. Ophioctenella sp. , another intriguing brittle star species, showcases its own distinctive features that make it stand apart from others within its family. Ophioderma egertoni (Broderip), known commonly as brittlestar, adds further diversity to this remarkable group of creatures. With their slender arms and graceful movements through water currents, they epitomize elegance beneath the waves. As we explore deeper into Asterozoa's realm, we uncover more wonders - ophiroid brittle stars emerge with their striking appearances and mysterious allure. These enigmatic beings hold secrets yet undiscovered by human eyes but remind us of how vast and diverse our oceans truly are.