The tooth stereom microstructure of 43 species of ophiuroids, from 9 f
amilies, was examined using light and scanning electron microscopy. Tw
o basic types of teeth, uniform and compound, are present in ophiuroid
s. From a mechanical standpoint, compound teeth may provide a tougher
grinding surface for ingestion of prey Tooth types seem to be conserve
d at the family level, with only two exceptions, and are considered in
light of known feeding strategies. Macrophagous feeders generally pos
sess uniform teeth whereas microphagous feeders possess compound teeth
. Ophiocomina nigra and Ophiopteris papillosa (Ophiocomidae) possess t
ooth types that are not in accord with other species in this family. P
erhaps genera within this family are in need of reclassification.