Daisy Brittlestar (Ophiopholis aculeata)

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Live Daisy Brittle Star (Ophiopholis aculeata)
Please note this is a live marine specimen.

The Daisy Brittle Star (Ophiopholis aculeata), also known as the Painted Brittle Star, is a small, brightly patterned echinoderm found in the shallow coastal waters of Maine. With its delicate, flexible arms and colorful disc marked in shades of yellow, red, and orange, this species is both beautiful and ecologically significant. It lives tucked beneath rocks and within crevices, where it feeds on detritus and plankton using its outstretched arms. Sustainably hand-collected from the Gulf of Maine, each specimen is carefully handled to ensure its health and vitality. Ideal for aquariums, classroom demonstrations, or marine biology research, the Daisy Brittle Star offers a fascinating glimpse into echinoderm locomotion and regeneration.

Key Facts:
Common name: Daisy brittle star, painted brittle star
Scientific name: Ophiopholis aculeata
Locations: Shallow waters of the coast, attached to rocks, in cracks and crevices
Seasonality: Available all year
Colors: Yellow, red, orange, patterned
Size: 2” – 4”
Collected: By hand
Quantity: Sold by the each
Note: This is a live marine specimen. Natural variations in size, color, and appearance from photos should be expected. If you would like any specimen preserved, please send a request to: info@gulfofme.com

Live Daisy Brittle Star (Ophiopholis aculeata)
Please note this is a live marine specimen.

The Daisy Brittle Star (Ophiopholis aculeata), also known as the Painted Brittle Star, is a small, brightly patterned echinoderm found in the shallow coastal waters of Maine. With its delicate, flexible arms and colorful disc marked in shades of yellow, red, and orange, this species is both beautiful and ecologically significant. It lives tucked beneath rocks and within crevices, where it feeds on detritus and plankton using its outstretched arms. Sustainably hand-collected from the Gulf of Maine, each specimen is carefully handled to ensure its health and vitality. Ideal for aquariums, classroom demonstrations, or marine biology research, the Daisy Brittle Star offers a fascinating glimpse into echinoderm locomotion and regeneration.

Key Facts:
Common name: Daisy brittle star, painted brittle star
Scientific name: Ophiopholis aculeata
Locations: Shallow waters of the coast, attached to rocks, in cracks and crevices
Seasonality: Available all year
Colors: Yellow, red, orange, patterned
Size: 2” – 4”
Collected: By hand
Quantity: Sold by the each
Note: This is a live marine specimen. Natural variations in size, color, and appearance from photos should be expected. If you would like any specimen preserved, please send a request to: info@gulfofme.com

Tidepool Tim finds some neat Brittlestars and Slimeworms.

Tidepool Tim says,  “Daisy brittle stars look distinctly different than sea stars. Their arms are very slender, and may break off if handled! In fact, this is a defensive strategy to escape prey. The arm will regenerate before long! Brittle stars tend to prey on microscopic organisms, feeding differently than a sea star. Their stomachs cannot extrude for feeding. The food goes right into its mouth.”