Spiny Brittle Star

Spiny Brittle Star, Spawning

Spawning is the process of releasing eggs, sperm, or larvae into the environment as part of reproduction.

The Spiny Brittle Star has five long, slender arms covered in sharp spines. The body is typically a shade of brown, ranging from dark to light. A broad stripe runs down the length of each arm and extends onto the central, circular disc.

This Brittle Star is shy and found hiding under rocks and in crevices, and is active mostly at night. It is a filter feeder, eating small particles from the water and debris from the seafloor. It has also been known to eat fleshy algae and eggs. A notable fact is that it can shed its arms when threatened and fully regenerate a lost arm over time.