Common Name: Snaketail
Origin and Date of Production:
Snaketails, also known as brittle stars, are one of the most diverse and widespread groups in the ocean. They can be found in a wide range of habitats, from the icy waters of the polar regions to the warm tropical seas, and from muddy sands to rocky substrates. Their presence is almost universal across marine environments. In 1957, during an expedition in the Bohai Bay, the Chinese Academy of Sciences' research vessel "Venus" used a small net to collect over 6,000 specimens of *Sabella* snaketails in a single haul, showcasing their abundance in coastal waters.
Description:
Snaketails belong to the class Ophiuroidea, which is part of the larger echinoderm group. There are over 1,800 species of echinoderms worldwide, with more than 100 species found along China's coastlines. The name "snaketail" comes from the snake-like appearance and movement of their long, flexible arms, or "wrist." These creatures feed primarily on organic particles and small benthic organisms such as diatoms, foraminifera, tiny worms, and crustaceans. Their feeding organs consist of delicate, feathery tentacles located around the mouth and on the arms.
The way snaketails move is quite unique. They use their arms to push against the seafloor, creating a wave-like motion that propels them forward. There are two main types of movement: one where one arm moves forward while the others move backward, and another where two arms move together in unison while the remaining three go in the opposite direction. This allows them to navigate through complex underwater environments efficiently.
Interestingly, their arms are very fragile and can break off easily. If you find a snaketail on the beach and accidentally damage its arms, don't worry — they have an amazing ability to regenerate. This process, called autotomy, allows them to shed an arm when threatened, which distracts predators and gives the snaketail a chance to escape. The lost arm will grow back over time, making this a crucial survival mechanism. Because of this trait, some people refer to them as "crisp starfish."
Snaketails are not only fascinating creatures but also economically valuable. They serve as a key food source for several commercially important fish species, including true sea bream, large yellow croaker, and groupers. In particular, the large yellow croaker heavily relies on snaketails as part of its diet, highlighting their ecological and economic significance in marine ecosystems.
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