[Locomotion of Barents Sea ophiuroids].

Locomotion of 5 species of Ophiuroids from the Barents Sea has been described--Ophiura albida, O. robusta, O. sarsi, Ophiacantha bidentata, Ophiopholis aculeata. Representatives from the genus Ophiura move by means of one or two symmertic pairs of arms which perform rhythmic rowing beats. The feet tube do not participate in their locomotion. Locomotion pattern in O. bidentata and especially O. aculeata, which have long flexible arms, is more complex. However, the analysis indicates that they replace themselves by a comparatiely limited set of standard "programmed" movements which may be used in various combinations. In locomotion of these species, the tube feet are involved which provide for the reliable contact of distal ends of the active rays with the supporting surface; due to this contact the animals can move in a straightforward direction.