Species profile
Banded Brittle Star
Ophionereis annulata
Starfish/urchins/cucumbers2.9K iNat observations
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
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.