Serpent or Brittle Star?

[tuwhada]

Does anyone know the technical ways to tell the difference between a serpent and a brittle star. I thought my one star was a serpent but I am wondering if he is really a brittle.

Christina

 

[Hara]

serpent stars have smooth legs and brittle stars have little spikes on them.

 

[tuwhada]

I know that... but are there some species of brittles that have SMALER spikes??? B/c even a serpent has super tiny spikes on it? Anything about their body shape or soemthing.

Christina

 

[Atari]

AFAIK, they are the same thing (scientifically).

As always, the common names are just there to confuse us.