Brittle Star Collection (page 2)

Brittle star (Amphipholis squamata) in a rock pool. Brittle stars are marine echinoderms, closely related to starfish. They have five arms radiating from a central disc-shaped body

Brittle stars. Colour of the brittle star Ophiocoma wendtii during the day (top) and at night. This marine echinoderm changes colour in response to light

Brittle star on coral

Brittle star fossils

Dead great spider crab

Brittlestars on soft coral
Brittlestars (Ophiothrix sp. spiny) and acoel flatworms (Waminoa sp. red) on soft coral. Photographed off Rinca island, Komodo National Park, Indonesia

Brittlestar on a reef
Brittlestar (Ophiothrix sp. yellow) on a reef. Photographed off Rinca island, Komodo National Park, Indonesia

Brittlestars on sea pen
Brittlestar (Ophiothela sp. spiny) on a purple sea pen (Virgularia gustaviana). Photographed off Rinca island, Komodo National Park, Indonesia

Brittlestar on soft coral
Brittlestar (Ophiothrix sp. yellow) on leather coral. Photographed off Rinca island, Komodo National Park, Indonesia

Basket star (Astroboa nuda) on a reef. Basket stars are a species of brittle star. Brittle stars are related to starfish but, unlike starfish

Prehistoric brittle star fossils. Fossilised remains of Sinosaura kelheimense brittle stars from the Jurassic period (around 200-145 million years ago). Found in Bavaria, Germany

Brittlestars on a sea fan
Brittlestars (Ophiothrix sp. white rings) wrapped around the branches of a gorgonian sea fan (pink). Photographed in the Andaman Sea, Thailand

Brittle star eating coral. Northern basket star (Gorgonocephalus arcticus, centre, yellow) wrapped around a soft coral (Gersemia fruticosa, white)

Northern basket star (Gorgonocephalus arcticus) on the seabed. The northern basket star is a species of brittle star. Brittle stars are related to starfish but, unlike starfish

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

Brittle Star - Brittle stars can regenerate a new individual from a broken fragment
VT-8951 Brittle Star Papua New Guinea Ophiothrix purpurea Brittle stars can regenerate a new individual from a broken fragment. They also change colour to match their host

Brittle Star
JLM-3059 Brittle Star John Mason Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way. contact details: prints@ardea.com tel: + 44 (0) 20 8318 1401

Crinoid-encrusted sponge, reef. Indo Pacific Papua New Guinea
Tom Campbell / SplashdownDirect

Bat star with brittle stars (Patiris miniata ). USA, Channel Islands, CA
Tom Campbell / SplashdownDirect

Brittle star (Ophiolepis sp)
Tom Campbell / SplashdownDirect

Purple sea urchins and brittle stars (Strongylocentrotus purpatus ). USA, Channel Islands, CA
Tom Campbell / SplashdownDirect

Empty shell on red gorgonian with brittle stars. USA, Channel Islands, CA
Tom Campbell / SplashdownDirect

Bat star among brittle stars. USA, Channel Islands, CA
Tom Campbell / SplashdownDirect

Tube worms (rare). USA, Channel Islands, CA
Tom Campbell / SplashdownDirect

Seven-Armed Starfish (Luidia ciliaris) Close up detail showing tube feet, St Abbs, Scotland, UK North
Lawson Wood / SplashdownDirect

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The brittle star, a fascinating creature found in various marine habitats, never fails to captivate with its delicate beauty and unique characteristics. In the depths of the ocean, amidst a Horse mussel bed, one can witness the enchanting dance of Brittlestars alongside an Edible crab. These graceful creatures, known as Ophiothrix fragilis, gracefully sway their long arms through the water, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. On the shores at low tide, a Close-up of a stranded Brittle Star reveals its intricate patterns and vibrant colors. This particular species, Ophiura ophiura, showcases its resilience even when faced with adversity. Its presence on the beach serves as a reminder of nature's ability to adapt and survive. In warmer waters like those surrounding St. Vincent in the Caribbean lies another captivating sight - Suensons brittle stars resting on Azure vase sponges (Callyspongia plicifera). The contrast between their slender bodies and vibrant blue backdrop creates an awe-inspiring scene that seems almost otherworldly. Further exploration into these echinoderms leads us to discover Ophiomastix annulosa and Ophiura annulosa. Their intricate designs resemble works of art from centuries past - Echinoderms depicted in stunning color lithographs dating back to 1860s Gorgons Head or c. 1923 Marine organisms illustrations. Even amongst other marine life forms such as Nudibranchs crawling amongst Black brittlestar legs or Northern basket stars dwelling in Slingsby Channel off British Columbia's coast; Brittlestars manage to stand out with their elegance and grace. Whether observed up close or admired from afar through historical depictions or underwater photography like UW INDO 2029 61 or UW INDO 1895 18; each encounter with these remarkable creatures leaves us marveling at their beauty while reminding us of nature's boundless wonders.