Circle-marked Brittle Star
Circle-Marked Brittle Star
| Name: | Circle-marked Brittle Star |
| Scientific Name: | Ophioderma cinerea |
| Family: | Brittle Stars |
| Taxonomic: | Ophiodermatidae |
| ID Group: | Sea Stars, Urchins, Cucumbers |
| Size: | up to 6 in. |
| Depth Range: | In shallow waters (0 – 15 ft.) |
| Sightings: | Seen sometimes |
| Similar Species: | Ruby Brittle Star |
The Circle-marked Brittle Star has a central disc with ten round spots along the edge. Each spot is bordered by a dark outline and sometimes shows small gold specks. The body color ranges from gray to brown. The arms are often marked with light and dark bands and have short spines underneath.
This Brittle Star is well camouflaged and often stays hidden during the day. It lives on sandy bottoms, among seagrass, and around hard structures where it blends in easily. It moves mostly at night and is rarely seen out in the open.