Crevice Brittle Star
| Name: | Crevice Brittle Star |
| Scientific Name: | Ophiopsila riisei |
| Family: | Brittle Stars |
| Taxonomic: | Ophiocomidae |
| ID Group: | Sea Stars, Urchins, Cucumbers |
| Size: | up to 6.5 in. |
| Depth Range: | In shallow waters (0 – 15 ft.) |
| Sightings: | Seen often |
The Crevice Brittle Star has very long, thin arms with many short spines along their length. The arms are pale or yellowish and show faint light and dark bands and extend far from the hidden central disc.
This Brittle Star usually stays hidden deep inside cracks or spaces in rock and rubble. During the night, it stretches its arms out from its hiding place to collect food drifting in the water. When a light shines on it, it quickly pulls its arms back into the crevice. The arms can produce a brief glow, which may help scare away predators such as crabs or shrimp. In some areas, many individuals may live close together.