Reproduction Brittle star
1 reproduction 1.1 life span 1.2 regeneration 1.3 fission reproduction the sexes separate in species, though few hermaphroditic or protandric. gonads located in disk, , open pouches between arms, called genital bursae. fertilisation external in species, gametes being shed surrounding water through bursal sacs. exception ophiocanopidae, in gonads not open bursae , instead paired in chain along basal arm joints. many species brood developing larvae in bursae, giving birth live young. few, such amphipholus squamata, viviparous, embryo receiving nourishment mother through wall of bursa. however, species not brood young, , instead have free-swimming larval stage. referred ophiopluteus, these larvae have 4 pairs of rigid arms lined cilia. develop directly adult, without attachment stage found in starfish larvae. number of species exhibiting ophiopluteus larvae fewer directly develop. in few species, female carries dwarf male, clinging mouth. life span brittle stars sexually mature in 2 3 yea...