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Family: Ophiodermatidae
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Bocas Species Database Habitat: High-energy areas near breaking waves, on shallow reef crest, beach-rock platforms, and patch reef, and stunted seagrass beds. Distribution: Caribbean Natural History Notes: O. brevicaudum exhibits a relatively non-specific feeding response, reacting to a broader range of chemical activators than for many other Opioderma species. This behavior is possible due to the species' presence in areas with heavy wave action, where chemical signals are of shorter duration. In Panama, the species spawns between September and November. Individuals cease movement at 7.5 - 8 degrees C and are killed at -1.7 degrees C. Depth: 1-18 m Characteristics: O. brevicaudum has short arms relative to its disk. The disk grows to 22 mm in diameter, and the arms to 77 mm long. The disk is mottled and the arms are banded with various combinations of green, blue-green, gray, and white. The ventral interradii and the top of the disk sometimes have patches of rust red or reddish brown. Individuals are on rare occasion reddish not green. |
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