Brittle Starfish

The Brittle Star, Ophiocoma sp., is a species of starfish with long, flexible limbs that have small pointed projections across their bodies. They come in colors of black, brown, and a combination of the two, sometimes having grey bands around some of their limbs. They require a tank with plenty of live rock to scavenge from, and take refuge in during the day. A sandy substrate is also suggested, as they will burrow and help aerate the sand.

The Ophiuroidea Class is made up of Starfish that have a flat and smooth central disc with five spiny limbs. These limbs vary from species to species and can be short, long, thick, or thin, and come in different colors. Some limbs or “arms” will lack spines altogether. Each arm is composed of top-side plates that allow for excellent flexibility and quickness, but have a downside of easily breaking. Brittle Stars, like other starfish, can regenerate their limbs over time if they are injured.