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Description:
The reticulated brittle star, Ophionereis reticulata,  grows to 0.5 - 0.6 inches disk diameter, with arms to 4.5 - 5 inches.  Body color is typically white to bluish white, with a dark brown to brown-red net-like pattern covering the dorsal surface of the disk.  The arms typically are the same base color as the body, but may be banded with dark brown.  Three arm spines are present.  Fine scales and bud-like papillae cover the disk, and the radial shields are small and diamond shaped.  Tube feet are white. 

Habitat:
Reticulated brittle stars are found in all reef zones, under rocks and coral rubble, or in clean sands to depths of 725 feet.

Range:  
This species ranges from South Carolina and Bermuda south through Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, and Texas to Cuba and the Caribbean, south to Brazil.  It has also been reported in the Eastern Atlantic as well.

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 
The reticulated brittle star, Ophionereis reticulata.  Photo by J. Miller, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution;  courtesy of D. Pawson, National Museum of Natural History.  Used with permission.
 

Close-up of the reticulate pattern on the disk of Ophionereis reticulata.  Photo by J. Miller, Harbor Branch  Oceanographic Institution;  courtesy of D. Pawson, National Museum of Natural History.  Used with  permission.       
 
 

Reticulated brittle stars are negatively phototaxic, meaning they have an aversion to bright light.   They avoid light by digging burrows for themselves in sands or under rocks.