ophiura, starfish question

[larryndana]

ophiura, i have found a kind of star online that i can't seem to find a picture of and was curious about it. Bioluminescent star, i believe a brittle.... this is all the website gives as the name.

 

[reefer545]

Cool. sounds very interesting. keep us posted.

 

[larryndana]

bump!!!!

 

[reefreak29]

Bioluminescence is the light produced as a result of a chemical reaction within an organism. It is caused by a series of oxidation reactions set off by a catalyst called luciferins — a group of chemicals.
How animals actually create luciferins varies from animal to animal. Some secrete it from special glands, whereas others capture it in the diet or synthesize internally.
Large animals, such as squid and fish, have special light organs called photophores, which are wart or blister-like structures packed full of bioluminescent bacteria. When the animal wants to generate light they stir or stimulate the bacteria in a special cell structure called photophore.
the starfish you are refering to is a deep sea star that uses bioluminescent bacteria to stimulate light

 

[larryndana]

thanks, i kindof understood it. but that clears it up.
being that its a brittle, i'm wondering how hard it is to keep one?
i'd still be interested in a picture.

 

[dogstar]

Dont know if this is the sea star your refering to, dont know if the link will work, dont know if you read French ( sientific names are there if you wish to research them )......
but theres pictures....
http://www.biol.ucl.ac.be/bmar/fr/themes2.html

 

[larryndana]

thanks, i don't speak french but the pictures are good.