Brittle Star

Brittle stars are common inhabitants of rocky reefs and seagrass beds across temperate and cold waters. They're easily recognised by their five long, spindly arms radiating from a small, round central disc, often patterned in shades of orange, red, or brown. True to their name, the arms break off readily if threatened—a defence mechanism that allows escape while the lost arm distracts the predator. Brittle stars are nocturnal scavengers and detritivores; divers usually spot them tucked into crevices during the day, but they become active foragers after dark.