Pronunciation: [ˈɒfɪjˌuːɹən] (IPA) 
Ophiuran, pronounced as /ɑːˈfjʊərən/, is a term used to describe a brittle star. The word is derived from the Greek word "ophiuroides" meaning "resembling a snake." The spelling of this word may be confusing to some as the "ph" combination is typically pronounced as "f" in English. However, in Greek, "phi" is pronounced as /f/ and "u" is a long vowel sound, hence the correct pronunciation of "Ophiuran" is /ɑːˈfjʊərən/.
Ophiuran, also known as brittle stars or serpent stars, refers to a species of marine invertebrates belonging to the class Ophiuroidea. This group of echinoderms closely resembles starfish and sea urchins but possesses distinct characteristics. The name "ophiuran" is derived from the Greek words "ophis," meaning "snake," and "oura," meaning "tail," emphasizing the elongated, snake-like appearance of these organisms.
Ophiurans typically have a central disk, from which long, slender arms radiate outward. These arms, usually five in number, are highly flexible and can be used for locomotion, feeding, and sensory perception. Ophiurans primarily inhabit the ocean floor, ranging from shallow coastal waters to deep abyssal zones. They are found in various marine habitats worldwide, including rocky shores, coral reefs, and mud or sand substrates.
These creatures are known for their remarkable ability to regenerate lost body parts, including arms, which can break off voluntarily to escape predators or during other stressful situations. Ophiurans exhibit a wide range of colors and patterns, often adapting to blend with their surroundings for camouflage.
Feeding strategies vary among ophiurans, ranging from scavenging detritus on the seabed to actively capturing small prey using their tube feet and a unique feeding apparatus known as the jaw mechanism. Despite their serpent-like appearance, ophiurans are harmless to humans and are mainly considered important components of marine ecosystems, playing roles as both predator and prey. With their captivating appearance and intriguing behaviors, ophiurans continue to fascinate researchers and aficionados of marine life.
The word "Ophiuran" is derived from combining two Greek words: "ophis" (ὄφις) which means "snake" or "serpent" and "oura" (οὐρά) which means "tail".
In the context of taxonomy, "Ophiuran" specifically refers to a group of marine animals called brittle stars or serpent stars, which have long, flexible arms that resemble the movements of a snake. The term was coined using the Greek roots to describe these creatures with snake-like tails.
