The Spiny Brittle Star – Ophiocoma erinaceus is a fascinating echinoderm with a distinct spiny appearance. These creatures are commonly found in a variety of marine habitats, contributing to the biodiversity of the underwater world.
Description & Characteristics
The Ophiocoma erinaceus is easily recognizable due to its spiny, star-shaped body structure. Its five arms are slender and flexible, covered in numerous spines that give it a prickly texture. The central disc, from which the arms radiate, can reach a maximum size of 5 cm in diameter, and each arm can grow to be around 10 cm long. These brittle stars exhibit a wide range of colors, from bright red to dark brown, often with contrasting patterns on their arms.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Spiny Brittle Star is a common inhabitant of the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Ophiocoma erinaceus thrives in a variety of marine environments, ranging from shallow coral reefs to deeper rocky outcrops. They are often found in the intertidal zone, where they can tolerate periods of exposure to air. However, they are most abundant in the subtidal zone, below the lowest low tide mark. They are particularly common in the Indo-Pacific region, with a wide distribution across the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean.
Taxonomy
The Spiny Brittle Star, Ophiocoma erinaceus, belongs to the Class: Ophiuroidea, which encompasses all brittle stars and basket stars. Within this class, it is further classified into the Order: Ophiacanthida, a group of brittle stars characterized by their slender arms and spiny bodies. Finally, the species Ophiocoma erinaceus is part of the Family: Ophiocomidae, known for their distinctive spiny bodies and nocturnal habits.
Feeding
Ophiocoma erinaceus is an opportunistic omnivore, feeding on a variety of food sources. Their diet typically consists of detritus, small invertebrates like brine shrimps, and even algae. They are often observed scavenging on the ocean floor, gathering small particles of food with their flexible arms. In captivity, they can be fed commercial flake food specifically designed for marine invertebrates.
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