Ophiura albida – a snaky star in the sand

Description Small, reddish-brown brittlestar with five arms. Ecology At up to 14cm across, this is one of the smaller species of sand brittlestars. It is easily identified by two white spots at the base of each of its arms. Brittlestars move by gripping a surface with their tube-feet and using snake-like motions of their arms to move themselves along the seabed. This species prefers silty conditions and can be found right around the British coast. Distribution Found round most of the British coast. • Name the other species by clicking on the links on the right-hand side or the previous and next buttons at the top of the page