E-Fauna Photo Gallery

Amphiodia occidentalis  (Long-Armed Burrowing Brittle Star)

Photo of Amphiodia occidentalis by Aaron Baldwin
© Aaron Baldwin (Photo ID #2069)

Photographer's Submitted Details

Photo Location Sitka Sound, SE Alaska Photographer Aaron Baldwin
Habitat buried in mud, often under rocks
Photo Date Upload Date October 18, 2007
Elevation (m)
UTM Zone # Latitude
UTM Easting Longitude
UTM Northing Photo ID # 2069
Notes This genus of brittle stars is identified by the tiny disk and extremely long arms. The easiest way to find this species is to turn over rocks that are partially buried in sand/mud (but not so deep as to be far into the black anoxic layers). This delicate species is difficult to collect without breaking so is best observed in place. When found look for several other invertebrates that may associate with it such as the pea crab Pinnixa schmitti, the snail Fartulum occidentalis, and the bivalve Ro


  |      |      |      |      |     |