234 * To whom correspondence and reprint requests should be addressed. Ophiuroids are among the most common and conspicuous macro-invertebrates in shallow water habitats. Many species live in association with larger invertebrates, such as sponges, corals and other echinoderms (e.g., Baker et al. 2001, Tominaga et al. 2004, Henkel and Pawlik 2005). However, ophiuroids themselves may serve as hos...

Autotomy and regeneration are widespread in many groups of invertebrates and vertebrates, such as annelids, crustaceans, amphibians, and reptiles. Regeneration is common in all classes of Echinodermata and prevalent in ophiuroid brittle stars. Moorea, French Polynesia was surveyed for species of brittle stars living on coastal areas of the island in different habitats. Ophiuroid populations wer...