Habitat: In rubble, coral and algae, in nearly all reef zones. Distribution: Caribbean Natural History Notes: O. ohpiactoides is small, cryptically colored and repelled by light. Thus, although it is abundant and may occur at densities exceeding 100 individuals per liter, it is rarely seen. Asexual reproduction by fusion is predominant and may occur year-round. Large individuals are capable of sexual reproduction and gonads have been observed in some recently split individuals, suggesting that sexual and asexual reproduction could occur concurrently. Males are generally smaller than females. Females have up to 46 pink ovaries, and over 7,000 tiny eggs. The ophiopluteus larva develops four pairs of larval arms after 26 days. The parasitic copepod Ophiopsyllus reductus (Stock, Humes & Gooding) can damage and suppress reproduction of O. ophiactoides. Depth: 1-18 m Characteristics: Individuals are small, rarely exceeding 5 mm in disk diameter and 19 mm in arm length. The species closely resembles Ophiocoma pumila, and is most easily distinguished by the number of arms: O. ophiactoides has 6 arms; O. pumila has 5. The brittle star has a granule-covered disk and dental and oral papillae typical of Ophiocoma species. Individuals are yellowish brown or cream-colored, variegated with reddish brown and green. Arms are banded with dark and pale green and reddish brown.