Common Brittlestars - Ophiothrix fragilis - exist in staggering numbers in certain areas off the coast of the UK. They seem to congergate particularly in moderately deep, high enery sites where strong currents bring lots of suspended matter. Common brittlestars are suspension feeders and such a situation is ideal. There can be acres of them all packed together with their arms reaching upwards and they look like a writhing, waving carpet. Strangely, they are also found individually in many situations - see separate picture of one on a Dead Man's Finger

Common Brittlestars - Ophiothrix fragilis - exist in staggering numbers in certain areas off the coast of the UK. They seem to congergate particularly in moderately deep, high enery sites where strong currents bring lots of suspended matter. Common brittlestars are suspension feeders and such a situation is ideal. There can be acres of them all packed together with their arms reaching upwards and they look like a writhing, waving carpet. Strangely, they are also found individually in many situations - see separate picture of one on a Dead Man's Finger