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Sea Star, Snake Brittle Star

Ophiopsammus maculata

Patakaroa (Ophiopsammus maculata)

Sea Star, Snake Star

Invertebrate

Echinodermata

Ophiuroidea

Ophiodermatidae

Soft Bottom Subtidal
Soft Bottom Subtidal

Feeding:
Scavenger
Scavenger
Distribution:
New Zealand
New Zealand
Edibility:
Inedible
Inedible
Size:
Shoulder width Sized
Shoulder width Sized



It is deep orange to brick red in colour and has five snake like arms which break easily, the regenerate well.


Found offshore in sandy to muddy areas of the sea bottom.


This is a large predatory snake star. It ambushes prey, such as squat lobsters (Munida gregaria), and is surprisingly active for an echinoderm.




http://www.exploretheabyss.com/photo/gallery/gallery/popups/ophiopsammus.htm (accessed 23/08/10) A Guide to the Plants and Animals of the New Zealand Marine Studies Centre: McKinnon