Brittle Sea Star

The Brittle Sea Star of the Ophiocoma genus has a very small olive green central disc which may have variable patterns. The long spiny, yellow arms are fringed with white or black spines.

It is nocturnal and often hides under rocks during the day. At night, it comes out to eat detritus and small organisms. It cannot tolerate copper-based medications.

 

The Brittle Sea Star is very intolerant of sudden changes in oxygen levels, salinity and pH of the water, and cannot tolerate copper-based medications. The drip acclimation method is highly recommended for all Sea Stars due to their intolerability to changes in water chemistry. It should never be exposed to air while handling.

 

In the aquarium it may be fed zooplankton, very finely chopped meaty items, and liquid invertebrate foods.