Species profile
Banded Brittle Star
Ophionereis annulata
Identify Banded Brittle Star (Ophionereis annulata) from a photo — free, unlimited, no sign-up — with the CatchRules iPhone app.
At a glance
Banded Brittle Star (Ophionereis annulata) is an echinoderm present across the CatchRules coverage area but without species-specific bag, size, or season rules tracked in our regulatory dataset.
Confirmed by 2,484 research-grade iNaturalist observations, concentrated in California.
Notable details
- Arms are distinctly patterned in alternating light and dark bands, giving the species its name.
- Found from the Gulf of California south to Peru in rocky intertidal and shallow subtidal zones.
- Can shed an arm instantly to distract a predator, then regrow it over time.
- Lives beneath rocks and in crevices, emerging to feed on detritus and organic matter.
- Moves by rowing its flexible arms in a coordinated, snake-like motion.
Where Banded Brittle Star are seen
Background
Ophionereis annulata, commonly known as the banded brittle star, is a species of brittle star in the family Ophionereididae.
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Banded Brittle Star article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other starfish/urchins/cucumbers on CatchRules
Frequently asked questions
What is Banded Brittle Star?
Banded Brittle Star (Ophionereis annulata) is an echinoderm present across the CatchRules coverage area but without species-specific bag, size, or season rules tracked in our regulatory dataset.
What is the scientific name for Banded Brittle Star?
Banded Brittle Star is Ophionereis annulata.
Are there fishing rules for Banded Brittle Star?
Banded Brittle Star does not currently have published fishing rules in CatchRules' curated jurisdictions. Identification, range, and habitat are still tracked above.
How can I identify Banded Brittle Star?
Take a photo with the free CatchRules iPhone app — on-device identification recognizes Banded Brittle Star along with ~1,500 other species. No sign-up, unlimited use.
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.