Brittle Stars: Class Ophiuroidea

Organisms in the class Ophiuriodea are known as the ophiuroids or brittle stars.  They are closely related to sea stars. There are approximately 1,500 species of brittle stars living today, most of which are found in deep waters over 500 meters down.

An unusual characteristic of brittle stars is their ability to regenerate lost limbs.  Because of this unique ability, brittle stars have been the subject for considerable stem cell research.