Need help from Californians

[under water]

Does anyone know what this creature is in front of the blackeyed goby?
It was at about 50 fsw just off Anacapa in the Channel Islands.
Is it just a brittle star in a weird orientation?

Thanks

 

[LeslieH]

Yes, it's a brittle star. Was there a strong current? Many ophiuroids are switch hitters when it comes to feeding. If the current is strong they will hold their arms up in the water & catch whatever is floating by. When the current is down the arms stretch along the bottom to pick up food.

 

[under water]

Yes, it's a brittle star. Was there a strong current? Many ophiuroids are switch hitters when it comes to feeding. If the current is strong they will hold their arms up in the water & catch whatever is floating by. When the current is down the arms stretch along the bottom to pick up food.

Thanks.. I didn't know that about starfish.
I don't remember there being much of a current .. a bit of a surge nearer the shore though.
There are so many new things to see in the sea. Just lovin' it!
I can remember the first time I realized that I was looking at the eating end of a burrowing sea cucumber when I thought I was looking at anemone's.

 

[Thalassamania]

Yes, it's a brittle star. Was there a strong current? Many ophiuroids are switch hitters when it comes to feeding. If the current is strong they will hold their arms up in the water & catch whatever is floating by. When the current is down the arms stretch along the bottom to pick up food.

Confirmed.

 

[drbill]

It looks like the brittle star Ophiopsilla californica. Although Gotshall's Guide to Marine Invertebrates states they are found in "central California," I see them off Catalina at many dive sites, often in significant numbers.