How big can a brittle star get?

Brittle stars are nocturnal scavengers that can be found in ecosystems throughout the world's oceans. These animals consist of a clearly defined circular or pentagonal central disk surrounded by five long, slender arms. Sizes can vary by species and can range from 8 inches in diameter to 20 inches in diameter.

1. What is the biggest brittle star?
2. How fast do brittle stars grow?
3. Do brittle stars have a brain?
4. Can brittle stars bite?
5. Where does a brittle star live?
6. Do brittle stars have eyes?
7. Can brittle stars eat fish?
8. What does a brittle star eat?
9. What color is a brittle star?
10. How long does it take for a brittle star to regrow an arm?
11. How do brittle stars protect themselves?
12. How many legs does a brittle star have?
13. What do starfish eat?

What is the biggest brittle star?

The largest known brittle star is Ophiopsammus maculata, with a disk measuring 2–3 inches across, and arm length between 6–7 inches.

How fast do brittle stars grow?

Life span. Brittle stars generally sexually mature in two to three years, become full grown in three to four years, and live up to 5 years.

Do brittle stars have a brain?

Starfishlike brittle stars have five thin arms and no central brain, but even so, they move in a carefully coordinated fashion similar to four-limbed animals (including humans). ... Symmetry is at the heart of the mystery of brittle star movement.

Can brittle stars bite?

Yes they can sting you or even a fish, but as long as they don't get really large, they are generally considered good cleaners to have.

Where does a brittle star live?

Meet the deep sea brittle star

Brittle stars live on spiny sponges and other sessile animals at the bottom of the deep sea, as well as by themselves and in abundant masses directly on the seafloor.

Do brittle stars have eyes?

Red brittle star has light-sensing cells covering its body, each like a single 'pixel' A cousin of the starfish that resides in the coral reefs of the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico lacks eyes but can still see, according to scientists who studied the creature.

Can brittle stars eat fish?

Temperament / Behavior : These brittle stars are scavengers that should feed on detritus, dead organisms, etc. They should leave corals and fish alone. ... These are known fish eaters.

What does a brittle star eat?

What do they eat? Many brittle stars feed on detritus, using their arms to gather this from the surface or to filter these out of the water. Unlike sea stars, a brittle star doesn't have a groove on the underside of its arms.

What color is a brittle star?

Brittle stars can be as large as 2 ft (0.6 m) in diameter or as small as a few millimeters. Ophioroids are usually a drab green, grey, or brown, but some have variegated color patterns. Some species of brittle stars glow in the dark-a bright green luminescence appears if they are disturbed.

How long does it take for a brittle star to regrow an arm?

If they lose an arm, or even most of their body, they are can grow those sections back. So long as one fifth of the central disk and at least one arm remains, the sea star can completely recover. Regeneration can take up to a year.

How do brittle stars protect themselves?

Brittle stars are sea star cousins that bury themselves for protection, leaving an arm or two free to catch bits of food. Sometimes this attracts a hungry fish but fortunately, a star can't be tugged out by the arm. The arm snaps off, and a new one grows from the stump.

How many legs does a brittle star have?

Brittle stars are known to either have 5/6 legs.

What do starfish eat?

Sea stars are mostly carnivorous and prey on mollusks—including clams, mussels and oysters—which they pry open with their suction-cupped feet.