How to Identify Black Brittle Star

To identify Black Brittle Star (Ophiocoma nigra), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

rounded

Coloration

Typically uniformly black or very dark brown, sometimes with a slightly lighter underside on the central disc. The arms may have faint banding in some individuals.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

inferior

Distinctive features

Central disc diameter typically 2-3 cm, with arms extending up to 15 cm in length., Five slender, highly flexible arms covered in rows of short, blunt spines., Oral surface (underside) of the disc has a star-shaped mouth opening., Arms are often held elevated from the substrate, allowing for efficient filter feeding.

Dorsal fin

N/A (no fins)

Tail fin

N/A (no fins)

Pectoral fin

N/A (no fins)

Distinctive fins

N/A (no fins)

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Coloration

   Its uniformly dark black or dark brown color is a primary distinguishing feature.

2. 2

   Arm Spines

   The arms are covered with short, blunt spines, which are not particularly sharp or prominent compared to some other brittle star species.

3. 3

   Arm Flexibility

   Highly flexible arms that can coil and move independently, characteristic of brittle stars.

4. 4

   Habitat

   Often found in rocky intertidal and shallow subtidal zones, under rocks or in crevices.

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