Amphiura
Amphiura is a genus of brittle stars, which are echinoderms in the class Ophiuroidea. They are commonly known as serpent stars, or sometimes referred to simply as “brittlestars”. The genus Amphiura contains many species, and is found in a variety of marine environments around the world. Like other brittle stars, Amphiura have a central disc with five arms that are slender and flexible. They are an important part of marine ecosystems, playing a role in nutrient cycling and food webs.
Common Names
Amphiura species are commonly known as serpent stars or brittlestars.
Characteristics
Amphiura species have a number of characteristics that distinguish them from other brittle stars. These include:
- A central disc that is typically small and round.
- Five arms that are long and slender, and can be easily broken off.
- A series of small, movable spines along the arms.
- A pair of small, sensory tentacles at the tip of each arm.
Environments
Amphiura species are found in a variety of marine environments, including:
- Shallow coastal waters
- Deep-sea environments
- Coral reefs
- Seagrass beds
- Muddy bottoms
- Sandy bottoms
References
For further information, please refer to these sources: