Blunt-Spined Brittle Star
| Name: | Blunt-Spined Brittle Star |
| Scientific Name: | Ophiocoma echinata |
| Family: | Brittle Stars |
| Taxonomic: | Ophiocomidae |
| ID Group: | Sea Stars, Urchins, Cucumbers |
| Size: | up to 6 in. |
| Depth Range: | In shallow waters (0 – 15 ft.) |
| Sightings: | Seen often |
This Brittle Star has long arms covered with short, blunt spines that become even shorter near the tips. Its round central disc is smooth and usually gray, light brown, or brown. Sometimes a flower-like pattern appears on the disc, and the arms may show light bands.
The Blunt-Spined Brittle Star is often hidden in rubble among rocks and is well camouflaged. It comes out at night to feed, using its long arms to trap drifting food particles or small animals from the water.