Brittle stars or serpent stars comprise a family of around 1500 different species known as Ophiurida. Unlike sea stars whose locomotion is achieved by the undulation of tiny tubed feet, brittle stars move quickly by wriggling their arms in approximated strides. Their movement more closely resembles that of octopus than traditional starfish. Brittle stars are ancient creatures with relatives dating back to the Ordovician period, 500 million years ago.