Spiny Brittle Star on Orange Tube Sponge - Belize

Smaller and more fragile than the common starfish, these tiny echinoderms swarm over reefs and
sponges at night time looking for tiny morsels of food. Much to my suprise, these creatures actually move
pretty quickly. At times I would shine my flashlight on a group of brittle stars only to see them slip into
the shadows to avoid detection!

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Photo ©2000 Mark M. Magner
Photos can not be used without permission.