Ophiocoma erinacea
Müller and Troschel, 1842
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Description
Ophiocoma erinacea is a small, common, but sturdy little brittle star. Underwater, it appears black and is very difficult to photograph as its black pigments absorb the light of the strobe and masks all details, particularly on light backgrounds.
In macrophotography, the distinctive orange tube feet and the little orange dot at the end of the spines become visible.
The disk is around 2 cm and the tapering arms between 5 and 7 cm. Other species of "black" Ophiocoma may be present but less common.
In macrophotography, the distinctive orange tube feet and the little orange dot at the end of the spines become visible.
The disk is around 2 cm and the tapering arms between 5 and 7 cm. Other species of "black" Ophiocoma may be present but less common.
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Distribution
It is a widespread species, in Oman and worldwide, across the Indo-Pacific biogeographic region.
IUCN status
Data deficient (DD)
Data deficient (DD)
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Ecology and Biology
Like most other ophiuroids, O. erinacea is typically hidden under rocks or within cavities of the reef during the day. Although many echinoderm show light sensitivity, this sense is particularly poorly understood in ophiuroids. If some species have specialized receptors or eye-spots, many species seem to "perceive light through the whole skin.
O. erinacea changes color at night and adopt a light-dark banding on the arms. The change is due to the migration of pigment bearing cells (chromatophores) within the dermis of the arms.
O. erinacea changes color at night and adopt a light-dark banding on the arms. The change is due to the migration of pigment bearing cells (chromatophores) within the dermis of the arms.