Roger Steeb, USA
Info
Ophionereis annulata (Le Conte, 1851)
The Ringed Brittle Star Ophionereis annulata displayed two variations: 1) the most common was of a creamy-yellowish-colored disk with brown spots or reticulations, while the arms were creamy and purplish but every fourth-fifth joint possessed a green-darker band; 2) the coloration of the disk was similar to the above but with smaller reticulations, the arms green in color with olive-green darker bands and blotches; the darker bands every fourth-fifth joint and, occupying one or two arm plates.
This species is found on coral reefs and sandy bottoms particularly in intertidal and subtidal areas.Adult specimens of Ophionereis annulata were found buried in sand, while specimens found in live stony corals were juveniles.
This species is the only one in the Mexican Pacific having an association with a scale-worm.
Synonymised names:
Ophiolepis annulata Le Conte, 1851
Ophiolepis triloba Lütken, 1856
Ophionereis dictyota Ziesenhenne, 1940
Ophionereis triloba (Le Conte, 1851)
The Ringed Brittle Star Ophionereis annulata displayed two variations: 1) the most common was of a creamy-yellowish-colored disk with brown spots or reticulations, while the arms were creamy and purplish but every fourth-fifth joint possessed a green-darker band; 2) the coloration of the disk was similar to the above but with smaller reticulations, the arms green in color with olive-green darker bands and blotches; the darker bands every fourth-fifth joint and, occupying one or two arm plates.
This species is found on coral reefs and sandy bottoms particularly in intertidal and subtidal areas.Adult specimens of Ophionereis annulata were found buried in sand, while specimens found in live stony corals were juveniles.
This species is the only one in the Mexican Pacific having an association with a scale-worm.
Synonymised names:
Ophiolepis annulata Le Conte, 1851
Ophiolepis triloba Lütken, 1856
Ophionereis dictyota Ziesenhenne, 1940
Ophionereis triloba (Le Conte, 1851)
