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Brittle Star

Ophiothrix (various species)

Brittle stars are more delicate than true starfish, relying on thin, flexible arms for quick, scuttling movement. If disturbed, they may lose an arm but can regenerate it over time. Around Lihou, look carefully under rocks or amongst kelp holdfasts in deeper pools to glimpse them crawling or clutching onto hidden surfaces.

  • Habitat: Under rocks, among seaweed holdfasts, or in crevices in the lower intertidal/subtidal.
  • When to See: Can be found year-round, but best spotted on very low tides.
  • Length: Disk ~1–2 cm across, with arms up to 10 cm