Slimy Brittle Star
| Name: | Slimy Brittle Star |
| Scientific Name: | Ophiomyxa flaccida |
| Family: | Brittle Stars |
| Taxonomic: | Ophiomyxidae |
| ID Group: | Sea Stars, Urchins, Cucumbers |
| Size: | up to 6 in. |
| Depth Range: | Various depths (0 – 130 ft.) |
| Sightings: | Seen sometimes |
The Slimy Brittle Star has a rounded, slimy disc that can be red, green, brown, yellow, or orange. The surface may be solid or speckled, and the edges are swollen and rounded. It has five slender arms, often banded with different colors, and lined with short spines along the sides.
This Brittle Star is often alone and hidden among rubble or debris. It is usually active at night, feeding on algae, sponges, and decaying organic matter collected with its arms.