Category: Invertebrate
Phylum: Echinodermata
Class: Asteroidea
Family: Unknown

Other Names:
Sea Star, Snake Star

Notes
This is a large predatory snake star. It ambushes prey, such as squat lobsters (Munida gregaria), and is surprisingly active for an echinoderm. It is deep orange to brick red in colour and is found offshore in sandy to muddy areas of the sea bottom.


References
http://www.exploretheabyss.com/photo/gallery/gallery/popups/ophiopsammus.htm (accessed 23/08/10) A Guide to the Plants and Animals of the New Zealand Marine Studies Centre: McKinnon