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Harlequin brittle star

Ophioderma appressum

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Fun Facts

These sea stars live for around 5 years.

Species Type:

Invertebrates

Common Name(s):

Harlequin brittle star

Size:

With outstretched arms, this species can grow to 3 feet (1 meter) across.

Diet:

These sea stars eat algae, marine debris, small marine organisms, like plankton, and fish poop!

Range & Habitat:

Harlequin brittle stars live under rocks, coral reef colonies and areas near sea walls throughout the Caribbean Sea.

Details:

Harlequin brittle stars have five long, slender arms with black and white stripes. This species is able to regrow broken arms. They use them to move around and deliver food to their mouth on underside of their body.