Schayer's brittle star

About

It is the largest and most common brittle star found, the disc is covered in minute scales, 4 spines per arm segment, dark stripes around arms they scavenge for food by extending their arms out at night.

They can drop off the ends of their arms, like lizards drop off their tails. These arm pieces have a green luminescent glow, thought to act as a decoy for predators to follow at night

Size

Disc up to 2.5 cm wide, arms up to 15 cm long

Habitat

The depth range is from the inter-tidal zone to 180 metres below sea level. This brittle star may be found under boulders in tidal areas. It moves quickly away from light when exposed

Distribution

Found off the coast of Australia. Areas include New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania

Gallery

Select any photo or video to view it large with its details and credits.

📷 wildroo

Local Sightings

1 recorded sighting in and around the area.

References & citations (1)

1. The Atlas of Living Australia (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)