Localization of S1– and S2–like immunoreactivity in the nervous system of the brittle star
            Amphipholis squamata
            (Delle Chiaje 1828)

In this study, we present descriptions, illustrations, comments, and bathymetric and geographic distributions of the brittle star species related to the estuary region of Camamu Bay, located in the State of Bahia, Brazil. The brittle star fauna lives on biological substrates, sand bottoms, mud and rubble in the Camamu Bay and comprises 12 species divided into five families. Almost all of them are common in the tropical and subtropical fauna of the regions of shallow water.Ophiophragmus filograneusis reported for the first time in Bahia, and nine other species are recorded for the first time in Camamu Bay:Amphipholis januarii, Amphipholis squamata, Ophiophragmus filograneus, Ophiostigma isocanthum,Ophioderma cinerea, Ophioderma januarii, Ophiactis lymani, Ophiactis savignyi andOphiocoma echinata.The results suggest that the ophiuroid assemblages are strongly affected by marine currents as well as by different kinds of bottom substrate.

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Characterisation of artisanal mine waste on Buru Island, Indonesia and toxicity to the brittle star Amphipholis squamata

Chemosphere ◽

10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.09.053 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 189 ◽

pp. 171-179 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Amanda J. Reichelt-Brushett ◽

Bernard Thomas ◽

Pelli L. Howe ◽

Yusthinus Male ◽

Malcolm W. Clark

Keyword(s):

Mine Waste ◽

Brittle Star ◽

Amphipholis Squamata

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Study of the luminescence in the black brittle-star Ophiocomina nigra: toward a new pattern of light emission in ophiuroids*

Zoosymposia ◽

10.11646/zoosymposia.7.1.13 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 139-145 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

ALICE JONES ◽

JÉRÔME MALLEFET

Keyword(s):

Hydrogen Peroxide ◽

Light Emission ◽

The Body ◽

Brittle Star ◽

Screen Effect ◽

English Channel ◽

Defensive Function ◽

Amphipholis Squamata ◽

Weak Light ◽

Intense Light

The black brittle star Ophiocomina nigra, common in the English Channel, is known to produce mucus when attacked. This mucus, already known for its antifouling capabilities and its role in the feeding and the locomotion behaviours of the brittle star, also emits weak light. We describe and characterize this emission of bioluminescence, thanks to a chemical triggering by hydrogen peroxide. It appears that the light emitted is 1000 times less intense than the light emitted by other brittle star species (Ophiopsila aranea and Amphipholis squamata). The luminous capabilities are homogeneously spread along the arms of the brittle star, what goes against the use of bioluminescence as a sacrificial lure. The mechanical stimulation of arms before chemical triggering strongly enhances the luminous capabilities of the brittle star. Luminous mucus emission can be associated with other defensive function, such as a smoke screen effect or a burglar alarm, but these two functions require intense light emissions. The fact that the luminous component is excreted outside the body might be in favour of the aposematic use of light, i.e., as a signal to warn predators of the toxicity or unpalatability of its prey.

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