Lace-Fingered Brittle Star

Lace-Fingered Brittle Stars, or Caucetaiea lanthropoda, are a species of brittle star found in the brackish waters of the Pelican Isles. They are a common species, often gathering in groups of thousands, swarming the coastal waters and beaches of the smaller islands.

Anatomy

They have the typical anatomy of a brittle star, only that their five radially symmetrical arms taper from about 3cm thickness to just a few cells. The disc of these stars can reach up to 6 centimetres in diameter, their five arms anywhere from between 5 to 20 centimetres.

The arboral side of the disc is covered in tiny bumps and ridges, as do their arms. Their arms are covered in small white rings, while the rest of their arms and disc are a dark greenish-brown.

Scientific Name

Caucetaiea lanthropoda

Lifespan

3 years

Average Length

6 cm (disc diameter)

Geographic Distribution

• Osao
• Pelican Isles