{"product_id":"brittle-starfish","title":"Brittle Starfish","description":"\u003cp\u003eBeneficial Reef Scavenger and Detritivore\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhy Brittle Stars Are Essential\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSuperior scavenging ability: Actively hunts for detritus, uneaten food, and decaying organic matter in hard-to-reach areas\u003cbr\u003e\nNatural sand bed cleaner: Helps maintain healthy substrate by consuming waste and aerating sand\u003cbr\u003e\nReef-safe and peaceful: Completely harmless to corals, fish, and other invertebrates\u003cbr\u003e\nNocturnal behavior: Emerges at night to scavenge, keeping your aquarium clean while you sleep\u003cbr\u003e\nHardy and adaptable: Thrives in a wide range of reef aquarium conditions with minimal care\u003cbr\u003e\nFascinating to observe: Uses flexible arms to move gracefully through rockwork and across substrates\u003cbr\u003e\nCare Requirements\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTemperature: 72–78°F\u003cbr\u003e\nSalinity: 1.023–1.025 specific gravity\u003cbr\u003e\npH: 8.1–8.4\u003cbr\u003e\nTank Size: Suitable for tanks 20 gallons and larger\u003cbr\u003e\nRockwork: Requires live rock with caves and crevices for daytime hiding\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBrittle 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhat to Expect\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBrittle 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLive Arrival Guarantee: All livestock ships with our live arrival guarantee. Detailed acclimation instructions included with every order.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Empire Corals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52688556589335,"sku":"I61910","price":17.49,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0963\/2746\/7287\/files\/egt0jfvmal3q1w69_thumb_ce53e48c-5b10-461d-bb1c-698bf660e896.jpg?v=1778020635","url":"https:\/\/empirecorals.com\/products\/brittle-starfish","provider":"Empire Corals","version":"1.0","type":"link"}