mangrove brittle star (ophiactis sp.)

CONTENTS

Fauna index

Echinoderms

Peter K L Ng and N Sivasothi (editors)

Echinoderms or spiny-bodied animals are rare in mangroves. These animals have appendages 'powered' by a water hydraulic system and their bodies are often reinforced by calcareous or siliceous spicules. Only one species is common.

Mangrove brittle star
Ophiactis sp.
Family Amphiuridae

Size: Up to 5 cm in diameter.

Brittle stars are scavengers, and unlike most echinoderms, are very mobile, using their long arms to pull themselves rapidly across the mud.

Mangrove brittle star

They are able to squeeze into the smallest crevices and if disturbed, they will readily break off their arms in an attempt to thwart capture.

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What is mangrove?
Introduction

The Ecosystem
Abiotic
Biotic

Value
Intro
Products
Indirect uses
Potential uses

About Mangroves
in Singapore
History
Mangroves to visit
Conservation

From "A Guide to Mangroves of Singapore", Peter K. L. Ng and N. Sivasothi (editors)
Volume 1: The Ecosystem and Plant Diversity and Volume 2: Animal Diversity
Authors: Kelvin K. P. Lim, Dennis H. Murphy, T. Morgany, N. Sivasothi, Peter K. L. Ng,
B. C. Soong, Hugh T. W. Tan, K. S. Tan & T. K. Tan
BP Guide to Nature Series published by the Singapore Science Centre, sponsored by British Petroleum
© 2001 Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, The National University of Singapore & The Singapore Science Centre