Brittle stars, while looking like sea stars, are in a separate class, Ophiuroidea, from the sea stars. All of the brittle stars vital organs are located in its central disk (unlike sea stars, which do have organs in their arms) and thus the brittle star can break off its arms as a method of defense. Brittle stars are nocturnal and fast moving.

This sea star was photographed in about 40 feet of water in front of Captain Don's Habitat in Bonaire. .