Brittle Starfish

Description

Brittle Starfish
The Brittle Starfish, part of the class Ophiuroidea, is a striking and active echinoderm named for its long, slender, snake-like arms. Unlike the more familiar sea star, the Brittle Star relies on these flexible arms for movement rather than its tube feet. By grasping rocks, corals, or other surfaces, it pulls itself along with surprising speed and agility. In open water, it can even use its arms in a graceful “swimming” motion—earning it the reputation as the fastest of all echinoderms.

Primarily nocturnal, Brittle Stars hide within rockwork or under corals during the day and emerge at night to scavenge. They feed on leftover food, detritus, and plankton, making them excellent members of a reef aquarium’s cleanup crew. Most species are reef-safe, but some larger varieties may prey on small fish or corals if not well-fed.

With their elegant, serpentine arms and fascinating behavior, Brittle Starfish add both beauty and utility to marine aquariums.