Black Brittle Star
Black Brittle Star
Brittle stars move nothing like true sea stars — instead of crawling slowly on tube feet, they use their long, flexible arms as levers, snaking across rock and sand fast enough to startle anyone used to the glacial pace of a Fromia or Linckia. Grab one by an arm and it’ll shed that limb on the spot, a defense called autotomy, and simply regrow it over the following molts — a jet-black scavenger that’s tougher than it looks.
Care level: Easy · Temperament: Peaceful · Max size: ~10" arm span · Min tank: 20 gal · Reef safe: Yes · Diet: Scavenger, detritus/meaty foods
At a glance
- Scientific name
- Ophiocoma sp.
- Common name
- Black Brittle Star
- Water type
- Saltwater
- Care level
- Easy
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Max size
- ~10" arm span
- Minimum tank
- 20 gal
- Diet
- Scavenger, detritus/meaty foods
- Reef safe
- Yes
When it ships
Most non-quarantined stock goes out the week you order. If we do not already have the animal in-house we source it first — allow up to two weeks for it to reach us. Live animals leave Monday and Tuesday, and Early AM Overnight is the only service that carries a live arrival guarantee.
The live guarantee
Shipped Early AM Overnight: a 1-hour DOA window from confirmed delivery, and nothing beyond it. Next Day Air and 2-Day carry no live arrival guarantee, and neither does USPS Priority. Local pickup or local delivery: 24 hours, if you bring a water sample from your aquarium and we test it before the animal goes home. Maintenance clients: 60 days when we service the aquarium at least twice a month, 28 days on a monthly plan.
Expert guidance
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Cameron draws on 25+ years in the hobby and a marine biology background to help you choose the right fit for your system.