Phrynasteridae

Phrynasteridae is a family of brittle stars belonging to the class Ophiuroidea. These echinoderms are characterized by their distinct bodies, which consist of a central disk and five radiating arms. Unlike their more familiar relatives, sea stars, the arms of brittle stars are sharply set off from the disk and are typically more slender and flexible. The Phrynasteridae family is relatively small, containing only a few genera and species. They are primarily found in deep-sea environments, inhabiting the abyssal plains and continental slopes of oceans worldwide. Their diet generally consists of small invertebrates and organic detritus, which they capture using their tube feet and arm spines. Reproduction in Phrynasteridae, like in other brittle stars, typically involves external fertilization, with the release of eggs and sperm into the water column. Larval development occurs in the plankton before settling to the seafloor to metamorphose into juvenile brittle stars. Information on the specific ecological roles and behaviors of many Phrynasteridae species remains limited due to the challenges of studying deep-sea organisms. Research efforts continue to expand our understanding of this fascinating group of marine invertebrates.