Sponge Brittle Star

The Sponge Brittle Star has a small central disc and very thin, fragile arms covered in long, delicate spines. A dark stripe runs along the middle of each arm. The body can be a variety of colors, including yellow, gray, brown, or black, and the spines may be a different color than the arms.

This Brittle Star can be found on sponges and corals. It also lives in other habitats like mangroves and seagrass. During the day, it is often exposed and remains still, blending in with its host, while juveniles are also seen out in the open. To feed, it climbs to a high point on its host and extends its arms to catch tiny particles and plankton floating in the water.