Phylum: Echinodermata

Class: Ophiuroidea

Order: Ophiurae

Family: Ophiolepidae

Scientific name: Ophiura ophiura

 

Norwegian: gråbrun ophiura

(Hindrem - The Trondheim fjord / 13 meters / 8.18.2001)

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Distribution: In Norway, you may find this brittle star as far north as Lofoten, usually deeper than 10 meters. It lives on muddy or sandy substrate, sometimes partially buried.

Characteristics: This brittle star lacks to strong coloration of most other brittle stars. In stead of hiding in crevices it dresses in camouflage colors. The central disk can reach a diameter of 3 cm. The arms are relatively short, approximately 3,5 times the disk diameter.

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