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In this article we will discuss about the structure of Ophiocoma with the help of a diagram.
1. Commonly called brittle stars and are found in north Atlantic Mediterranean and tropical west-Indian coasts.
2. The body comprises of a round central disc having leathery (smooth) oral side and granularaboral surface.
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3. From the disc radiate five cylindrical arms having four longitudinal rows of skeletal plates and three rows of spines on lateral plates.
4. The star-shaped mouth has fringed margins and is situated in the centre of, oral surface of the disc.
5. Anus and pedicillariae are absent and tube feet are without suckers.
6. The Madreporite is inter-radial on oral surface and ambulacral grooves are covered. They are coelomate and pentaradiate.
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7. The larva is Ophiopluteus.
8. There are 10 longitudinal slits, two on either side of the base of each arm. These slits are called genital bursae.
