Brittle Star
Ophiuroidea
Markings and exact colorations may vary.
A small disc with five whip-thin arms that thrash and snap off when handled.
- Typical size
- 2–8 in across
- How often it turns up
- Common under structure
- Collecting
- Protected, do not collect
- Handling
- Photograph and release
Living beach animals should be photographed and left where they are. Many are protected, and most cannot survive being moved.
How to tell it apart
- Central disc clearly separate from the arms
- Long, flexible, snake-like arms
- Arms break easily
Where to find these in Florida
Beaches rated very good or excellent for tidepool life. Each page shows today’s score, the best window and access details.
- Bathtub Reef Beach · Stuart
- Anne's Beach · Islamorada
- Bahia Honda State Park · Big Pine Key
- Bathtub Beach · Stuart
- Caspersen Beach · Venice
- Curry Hammock State Park · Marathon
- Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park · Key West
- Harry Harris Park · Tavernier
- Higgs Beach · Key West
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park · Key Largo
- Long Key State Park · Long Key
- Marineland Beach · Marineland
Found one?
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More tidepool life in the field guide
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