There are approximately 2,000 species of brittle stars, with half residing at depths greater than 200 meters, often in sediment-rich environments.

As keystone species, brittle stars play a crucial role in maintaining sea-floor biodiversity by modifying their environment, similar to how elephants influence savanna ecosystems.

These fascinating creatures come in various colors, particularly in tropical regions, and possess unique features such as bioluminescence and ornate spines.

Brittle stars, relatives of starfish, thrive on the sea floor, which spans 361 million square kilometers of the Earth, exhibiting radial symmetry and thin arms that can grow up to 60 centimeters.

They actively contribute to their environment by moving sediment, injecting oxygen, and breaking down organic matter, thus supporting marine life.

Given their ecological significance, it is vital to recognize and protect brittle stars to ensure the health of marine ecosystems.

However, their calcium carbonate skeletons make them vulnerable to climate change, particularly ocean acidification, which poses a threat to their survival.

Remarkably, brittle stars can regenerate, able to regrow arms and even portions of their central disc if damaged by predators.

The first time-lapse footage of brittle stars, captured by a marine biology professor, revealed their organized and active behaviors while feeding.

As scavengers, brittle stars consume organic particles but are also susceptible to pollution that accumulates in sediment, as they cannot escape their habitats.

Notably, the Amphiura filiformis, a burrowing species found along British coasts, is abundant and can have up to 3,000 individuals in a square meter, significantly impacting its environment.