Description:
Amphioplus thrombodes reaches 0.2 -0.3 inches in disk diameter, with arms approximately 2 - 2.5 inches in length.  The dorsal scales have bumps along their edges that give an overall papillate texture to the disk.  Most of the arm joints have one pair of tentacle scales, but some close to the disk sometimes have two pairs.  There are 3 arm spines, the middle of which is somewhat compressed and thickened.  Body color is typically a pale gray, with disk scaling being brownish-gray to brown.  The radial shields have white tips.  Arms are banded, alternating between tan and dark gray.

Habitat:
A. thrombodes occurs in the muddy sediments of seagrass beds, particularly of the shoal grass, Halodule beaudettei (formerly H. wrightii). Typical depth is 1 - 2 feet.  This species is often found in association with other burrowing brittle stars.

Range:  
Amphioplus thrombodes ranges from the Indian River Lagoon south through the Florida Keys and the Gulf of Mexico.