Nature Field Guide
Alexander’s Spiny Brittle Star
- Spanish name
- Ofiura espinosa de Alexander
- Scientific name
- Ophiocomella alexandri
What Do Pico & Tati Think?
Pico and Tati discover that a brittle star’s scientific name can change as scientists learn more about its relatives.
Species overview
About the Alexander’s Spiny Brittle Star
Ophiocomella alexandri is a brittle star associated with rocky and reef habitats. Older references may call it Ophiocoma alexandri. Its small central disc and flexible arms are useful features to observe, but closely related brittle stars require careful comparison for a reliable species identification.
Identification
Key Features of the Alexander’s Spiny Brittle Star
A clearly defined central disc
Long flexible arms
Check both current and older scientific names when reading a reference
Habitat & range
Suitable underwater coastal habitat. Use a permitted guided snorkeling or viewing activity appropriate to your family; do not enter the sea just to find this animal.
Local observations
Documented in Guanacaste. Also recorded at Isla del Coco (Oceanic Pacific); the museum checklist uses Ophiocoma alexandri for Ophiocomella alexandri. Region tags represent documented locations, not an exhaustive range or a promise of occurrence at every beach. Additional regional assignments require locality evidence.
When to observe
Visibility depends on the site, conditions and the animal. Ask a local guide about an appropriate visit; no fixed encounter season is promised.
Conservation & care
Watch without touching, lifting, feeding or collecting. Keep fingers and equipment away from spines and other surface structures. Leave the animal submerged and its habitat undisturbed.
Observation activity
Write the current name beside the older name. Discuss why changing a name does not mean the animal itself has changed.