Ophionereis porrecta
Peter, 1851
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Description
The long armed Ophionereis porrecta is one of the largest brittle stars in Oman. Although its central disk is mall, (1-2 cm in diameter), its slowly tapering arms extend often > 20 cm. The disk is adorned with with 10 triangular shield-like plates at the level of insertion of the arms. The spines on the arms are long and abundant and the tube feet are long. The arms show a distinct, but subtle banding pattern, created by spines and articles of slightly different colors.
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Distribution
It is widespread in Oman and worldwide, its range includes the whole of the tropical indian Ocean and extends to the central Pacific islands and to southern Japan.
IUCN status
Data deficient (DD)
Data deficient (DD)
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Ecology and Biology
This common species hides under rocks, in cavities and underneath rubble. It is thus rarely seen without looking under rocks and boulders. When disturbed it is fast and its are are extremely flexible. It may abandon one of this arm to potential predators to escape in any space large enough to hide.
Like many other species of ophiuroids, O. porrecta is both a filter feeder and a detritivore. It may also graze on turf algae and dead organisms.
Like many other species of ophiuroids, O. porrecta is both a filter feeder and a detritivore. It may also graze on turf algae and dead organisms.