Amphipholis

Amphipholis is a genus of brittle stars, echinoderms belonging to the family Amphiuridae. Brittle stars are characterized by having five long, flexible arms that radiate from a central disc. They are widely distributed in marine environments around the world, with several species inhabiting the intertidal zone and others living in the deep sea.

Brooding Snake Star, Dwarf Brittle Star, Small Brittlestar – Amphipholis squamata

Common Names

Members of the genus Amphipholis are commonly referred to as "brittle stars," a general term used for the entire order Ophiuroidea. Some species may have specific common names, such as the "northern brittle star" (Amphipholis squamata) or the "common brittle star" (Amphipholis fragilis).

Characteristics

Amphipholis species exhibit several distinctive characteristics, including:

  • Small size: They are generally small, with a disc diameter ranging from a few millimeters to a few centimeters.
  • Flexible arms: Their arms are very flexible, allowing for rapid movement and burrowing in soft sediments.
  • Five arms: Like other brittle stars, Amphipholis species have five distinct arms.
  • Tube feet: The underside of their arms possesses tube feet, which they use for locomotion and feeding.
  • Predatory feeding: They are carnivorous, feeding on small invertebrates, algae, and detritus.

Environments

Amphipholis species are found in a variety of marine environments, including:

  • Intertidal zone: Some species inhabit the intertidal zone, living among rocks, algae, and seagrass beds.
  • Subtidal zone: Other species live in the subtidal zone, extending down to considerable depths.
  • Deep sea: Some Amphipholis species have been found in the deep sea, living in environments with low light and high pressure.

References

For more detailed information on Amphipholis, please refer to the following reliable resources: