White Brooding Brittle Star

Astrotoma agassizii

White Brooding Brittle Star

A brittle star of cold southern waters, the white brooding form drapes its long arms over sea fans of the genera Primnoella and Thouarella, perched anywhere between about twenty and over a thousand metres deep. It broods its young rather than scattering them, and it is harmless to divers.

Taxonomy: Animalia › Echinodermata › Ophiuroidea › Euryalida › Gorgonocephalidae › Astrotoma

Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 173167.

FAQ

How deep does the White Brooding Brittle Star live?
The White Brooding Brittle Star (Astrotoma agassizii) is typically found at 20–1180 m.
Is the White Brooding Brittle Star dangerous to divers?
The White Brooding Brittle Star is harmless to divers.