Brittle Starfish (Ophiocoma spp.)

The Brittle Starfish (Ophiocoma spp.) is one of the hardest-working members of a saltwater aquarium cleanup crew. Using its long, flexible arms, this nocturnal scavenger reaches deep into rockwork and crevices to consume leftover food, detritus, and decaying organic matter before it can affect water quality.

Despite its delicate appearance, the Brittle Starfish is a hardy and beneficial addition to established reef aquariums. Most of the day is spent hidden among live rock, emerging after lights out to forage throughout the aquarium.

Its unique ability to regenerate lost arms makes this fascinating echinoderm one of the most resilient invertebrates available to reef hobbyists.

Features

• Excellent detritus and leftover food scavenger

• Helps maintain a cleaner reef aquarium

• Peaceful and reef safe

• Reaches tight spaces within live rock

• Active primarily at night

• Can regenerate lost arms

• Great addition to established cleanup crews

Care Information

Scientific Name: Ophiocoma spp.
Common Name: Brittle Starfish
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Safe: Yes
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Diet: Carnivore / Scavenger (Detritus, Uneaten Meaty Foods, Fish Waste)
Minimum Aquarium Size: 10 Gallons

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 72–78°F

• Salinity: 1.023–1.026

• pH: 8.1–8.4

Compatibility

Brittle Starfish are peaceful scavengers that are compatible with most reef-safe fish, corals, shrimp, snails, crabs, and other invertebrates. They spend much of the day hidden within rockwork before emerging at night to search for leftover food.

Avoid housing with large Triggerfish, Puffers, Harlequin Tusk Wrasses, or other predators that may attack echinoderms.

Note: This listing is for peaceful Brittle Starfish species. It does not include the Green Brittle Star (Ophiarachna incrassata), which can become predatory toward small fish as it matures.

Why Shop with Infinity and Beyond Aquatics?

At Infinity and Beyond Aquatics, we know purchasing live animals online requires confidence. Every order is carefully prepared to help ensure your new livestock arrives healthy and ready to thrive.

• Carefully inspected before shipment

• Professionally packed in insulated cooler boxes

• Heat or cold packs included when weather requires

• Overnight shipping to minimize transit stress

• Responsive customer service before and after your purchase

• Passionate hobbyists dedicated to helping you succeed

Whether you're building your first reef or maintaining a mature ecosystem, we're committed to delivering healthy livestock backed by exceptional customer service.

Live Animal Shipping Information

All live fish, corals, and invertebrates are shipped FedEx Priority Overnight in insulated cooler boxes with appropriate heat or cold packs as needed.

• Ships Monday through Thursday only

• Orders are shipped as quickly as possible during our live animal shipping days

• Live Animal Shipping is $39.99 on orders containing live fish, corals, or invertebrates

• FREE Overnight Shipping on qualifying live animal orders of $300 or more

• We carefully monitor weather conditions and may delay shipment if temperatures are unsafe to help ensure the safe arrival of your livestock

• Tracking information is emailed as soon as your order ships

Thank you for trusting Infinity and Beyond Aquatics with your next reef addition!