Ruby Brittle Star

Pulling itself over the sand on its five arms was a ruby brittle star.  We were amazed at how fast it could move.  It looked to be in a great hurry, I would suspect to find a place to hide from us awesome creatures.  Having no head, eyes or ears, I wonder how it knew we were there and maybe it didn't.  Who knows, it could have just wanted to find a safe spot to hide until night time when it could come out and eat.

The brittle star is very common and you see them clinging to sponges and gorgornians during the day and usually don't give them a second thought.  Movement though is what excites the senses and as this little fellow began to pull its way along the bottom it caught our attention.  Each arm moved independently as its tips searched for a safe haven.

They are called a brittle star because their arms are very brittle and can break off easily, no worries if they do lose an arm because it will grow back.