Brittle star
Brittle
stars are, as their name suggests very prone to damage if they
are mishandled in any way, but like sea stars they have the
ability to regenerate limbs if they are lost. The snakestar
(Pectinura maculatus) is commonly found in sheltered
marine environments such as the Marlborough Sounds and Fiordland
where they feed on detritus and carrion. Some brittle stars
have the ability to suspension feed from the water itself and
can even ‘skim’ water for food items as the tide
moves in.
Did
you know?
Snakestars are highly mobile and can move surprisingly fast
underwater.
