Distribution Of Brittle Star (Ophiuroidea) on Rancabuaya Coastal Areas, Garut, West Java

This study aims to determine the distribution of brittle star (Ophiuroidea) in the waters of Rancabuaya coasts, Garut, West Java. The study was conducted in January-April 2016. The method used purposive sampling technique. The results showed that there were eight species (Gymnolophus obscura, Ophiomastix venosa, Clarkcoma canaliculata, Ophiocoma alexandri, Ophiocoma echinata, Ophiocoma valenciae, Ophiocoma erinaceus and Ophiocoma scolopendrina) into 4 genera and 2 families. Rancabuaya coastal has habitat characteristics with three types of substrate (rock, rocky and coral reef substrate) and the water conditions based on the substrate types (DO, pH, temperature, salinity) are in normal condition and suitable for the life of the Ophiurodea. The species of Ophiocoma scolopendrine has the widest distribution compared to other species because the substrate is in accordance with habitat its species. The results of this study can be used as baseline data for future coastal waters management.