Species
Daisy brittle star
Ophiopholis aculeata
The daisy brittle star is a common benthic echinoderm in cold northern seas.
Ecoregions
Norwegian Current
Ecoregion types
Polar & Subpolar
Trophic levels
Primary Consumer
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About this species
Species identity
Ophiopholis aculeata lives on the seafloor where it feeds on suspended particles, detritus, and small food items. It helps connect benthic habitats to the wider food web in subpolar ecosystems.
Where it lives
Daisy brittle stars are widespread in the cold North Atlantic and Arctic on rocky and mixed seabeds. They are common benthic animals in northern shelf and slope ecosystems.
Role in the ecosystem
Daisy brittle star broadens the Norwegian Current food web beyond pelagic species and into benthic pathways.
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