Animals

They can shed an arm anytime, like octopuses. This mechanism is used to distract the potential predator and gives brittle star an opportunity to edge away from danger.

They measure about 8 cm, are longitudinally striated, and slant backward. Sometimes the horns are partially covered by hair that forms a vertical tuft on the top of the head.

They are being hunted by broad-snouted caimans, eels, killifish, rock flagtails, bullet ants, and some species of catfish and ibis.

Properly taken care of, they can live up to 15 years.

Most of them live in shelf waters (over 1300 species), bathyal zone (over 1200 species). In the abyssal waters (below 4000 m) so far 100 species have been found.

Body length is 23 to 28 cm (9.1 to 11.0 in) and wingspan range from 31 to 41 cm (12 to 16 in). Males are heavier than females. Average weight of this species is 77 g (2.7 oz).

An adult female is about 70 mm long and a male is about 50 mm long.

It is formed by exactly nine bones, of which the two anterior bones are precisely the transformed clavicles.

Depending on the species, baby dolphins do not leave their mother's company for 3 to 8 years.