Brittle Starfish
Brittle Starfish
Beneficial Reef Scavenger and Detritivore
The Brittle Star (Ophiuroidea spp.) is an exceptional cleanup crew member and one of the most beneficial invertebrates for reef aquariums. These fascinating echinoderms feature a central disc body with five long, flexible arms that they use to navigate rockwork and scavenge for food. Brittle stars are prized for their efficiency at consuming detritus, uneaten food, and organic waste while remaining completely hidden during the day.
Why Brittle Stars Are Essential
Superior scavenging ability: Actively hunts for detritus, uneaten food, and decaying organic matter in hard-to-reach areas
Natural sand bed cleaner: Helps maintain healthy substrate by consuming waste and aerating sand
Reef-safe and peaceful: Completely harmless to corals, fish, and other invertebrates
Nocturnal behavior: Emerges at night to scavenge, keeping your aquarium clean while you sleep
Hardy and adaptable: Thrives in a wide range of reef aquarium conditions with minimal care
Fascinating to observe: Uses flexible arms to move gracefully through rockwork and across substrates
Care Requirements
Temperature: 72–78°F
Salinity: 1.023–1.025 specific gravity
pH: 8.1–8.4
Tank Size: Suitable for tanks 20 gallons and larger
Rockwork: Requires live rock with caves and crevices for daytime hiding
Brittle stars are opportunistic scavengers that feed on detritus, leftover food, and small meaty foods. In well-fed reef aquariums, they typically receive adequate nutrition from natural food sources. Supplemental feeding with small pieces of frozen mysis shrimp, chopped seafood, or sinking pellets can be offered 2-3 times per week, especially in newer systems.
What to Expect
Brittle stars are primarily nocturnal and will spend most of the day hidden within rockwork or under the sand bed. At night, they emerge to scavenge throughout the aquarium, using their sensitive arms to locate food. They are completely reef-safe and make an excellent addition to any cleanup crew. Brittle stars can regenerate lost arms if damaged, though this should be avoided through proper handling and care.
Live Arrival Guarantee: All livestock ships with our live arrival guarantee. Detailed acclimation instructions included with every order.
Feeding & Diet
Feeding & Diet
An opportunistic omnivore, the Pithos Crab will scavenge detritus, uneaten food, and algae — making it a natural cleanup crew member. Supplement with small meaty foods like mysis shrimp or pellets 2–3x per week if natural food sources are limited.
Care & Water Parameters
Care & Water Parameters
The Pithos Crab thrives in stable, well-maintained reef conditions. Target parameters: temperature 72–78°F, salinity 1.025–1.026 SG, pH 8.1–8.4, and alkalinity 8–12 dKH. A mature, established tank of at least 20 gallons is recommended.
Reef & Tank Compatibility
Reef & Tank Compatibility
Generally considered reef-safe. The Pithos Crab coexists well with most corals and peaceful fish. Use caution with very small invertebrates or slow-moving tankmates. Provide ample rockwork and hiding spots to reduce territorial behavior.
Size & Growth
Size & Growth
Pithos Crabs are typically shipped at 0.5–1.5 inches. They are slow-growing and generally remain small, making them well-suited for nano and mid-size reef systems.
Shipping & Live Arrival Guarantee
Shipping & Live Arrival Guarantee
All livestock ships with heat or cold packs as needed and is packaged for safe transit. We stand behind a live arrival guarantee — if your animal arrives DOA, contact us within 2 hours of delivery with a clear photo. See our full DOA policy for claim details.
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