Black Brittle Star (Janualis) Ophiomastix janualis

This is one of at least two species called the Black Brittle Star (the other is Ophiocomina nigra). It is native to tropical coasts and reefs of the Indo-WestPacific. The central disc is usually black or dark brown and some 3cm across, often hidden in coral with the arms protruding. It has five long spindly arms with distinguishing thin black and yellow bands and black spines; each arm can grow to some 18cm long. It is both a predator of small invertebrates and a scavenger of detritus. Like other brittle stars, it broods its young.