Ophiocoma
Ophiocoma is a genus of brittle stars, which are echinoderms belonging to the class Ophiuroidea. They are characterized by their star-shaped bodies with five long, flexible arms that are easily detached, hence the name “brittle stars.” Ophiocoma species are found in tropical and subtropical marine environments worldwide, particularly in coral reefs and seagrass beds.
Common Names
Ophiocoma species are commonly known as "brittle stars" or "serpent stars." Some species have specific common names, such as the "banded brittle star" (Ophiocoma echinata) and the "Caribbean brittle star" (Ophiocoma pumila).
Characteristics
Ophiocoma species exhibit the following characteristics:
- Star-shaped body: The central disc is relatively small compared to the arm length.
- Five long, flexible arms: The arms are slender and can be easily detached if threatened.
- Tube feet: These are small, sucker-like appendages on the underside of the arms, used for locomotion and feeding.
- Coloration: Ophiocoma species can display a variety of colors, including black, brown, white, red, and yellow. Some species have distinctive patterns or bands.
- Size: The size of Ophiocoma species varies depending on the species, but they are generally small, with arm spans ranging from a few centimeters to several inches.
Environment
Ophiocoma species are primarily found in tropical and subtropical marine environments, particularly in coral reefs, seagrass beds, and rocky shores. They are often found hidden under rocks, corals, or in crevices, where they feed on detritus, small invertebrates, and algae. Some species are also known to scavenge on dead animals.
References
For further information on Ophiocoma, consult the following sources: