Ophiarachnella

Common Names

Ophiarachnella species are commonly known as "basket stars" due to their distinctive branching arms that resemble a basket. Some species may also be referred to by their specific color, such as the "blue basket star" (Ophiarachnella gorgonia).

Characteristics

Members of the genus Ophiarachnella exhibit several distinct characteristics:

• Branching Arms: Their most prominent feature is their highly branched arms, which can reach a significant length, up to 100 cm. The arms branch repeatedly, forming a complex network that resembles a basket.
• Disk: The central disk is relatively small and usually covered with small, overlapping scales.
• Coloration: Ophiarachnella species are renowned for their vibrant colors, which range from bright red, orange, and yellow to deep blue and black. They often have intricate patterns and markings, making them attractive subjects for marine photographers.
• Feeding: Like other brittle stars, Ophiarachnella species are primarily suspension feeders. They use their branched arms to catch food particles suspended in the water, including plankton and detritus.

Environments

Ophiarachnella species are predominantly found in tropical and subtropical waters, with a wide distribution throughout the Indo-Pacific region. They prefer habitats with strong currents, such as coral reefs, rocky outcrops, and seagrass meadows. These environments provide ample access to their main food source: planktonic organisms. They are often observed clinging to hard substrates, extending their branched arms into the water current to capture food.

References

For further information on the genus Ophiarachnella, please refer to the following sources:

• World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS)
• Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS)