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Family: Ophidiasteridae
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Bocas Species Database Habitat: Reef settings, beneath coral rock or rubble, on rock and sand bottom, on calcareous algal substrate. Varies by locality. Distribution: Caribbean Natural History Notes: This species remains immobile for extended periods and is slow to respond to stimuli. Characteristics: This species can reach 31 cm or more, but most individuals are around 9 cm in diameter. The disk is small relative to the five cylindrical arms. The arms are often of varying length and taper little from disk to tip. The skeleton is concealed by a thin, slimy skin that covers the body. The numerous pedicellariae give the body a pitted appearance. The ambulacral margins bear a series of large, dagger-shaped spines that lie flat against the arms. The dorsal surface is reddish tan to reddish orange, with a darker red mottling or irregular banding on the arms. Darker speciments are almost uniformly blood red. The pedicellariae and madreporite are white and obviously contrasting. The lower surface is usually orange and is lighter than the upper surface. The transparent tube feet are light orange. |