Ruby Brittle Star
Ruby Brittle Star, Spawning
Spawning is the process of releasing eggs, sperm, or larvae into the environment as part of reproduction.
| Name: | Ruby Brittle Star |
| Scientific Name: | Ophioderma rubicunda |
| Family: | Brittle Stars |
| Taxonomic: | Ophiocomidae |
| ID Group: | Sea Stars, Urchins, Cucumbers |
| Size: | up to 5 in. |
| Depth Range: | On the reef (10 – 60 ft.) |
| Freq. of Sighting: | Seen often |
This Brittle Star has long, thin arms banded in red and white, with short spines along their length. Its central disc is solid red or mottled and covered with small, rounded granules. The species shows a wide range of colors and patterns, causing individuals to look quite different from one another.
The Ruby Brittle Star is most active at night, spending the day hidden inside sponges, beneath coral, or under rubble.