Red Brittle Sea Star
(Ophiomastix sp.)
Ophiomastix Sea Stars are commonly found in marine environments, often in shallow coastal waters and intertidal zones. They inhabit various substrates, including sandy or muddy bottoms, rocks, and coral reefs. They are generally more abundant in areas with adequate shelter, as they can hide in crevices, under rocks, or within coral formations. They are primarily detritivores and scavengers feeding on decaying organic matter, algae, small organic particles, and other debris present in the water column or on the ocean floor. They use their slender arms to capture and manipulate food particles, which are then transported to their mouth. It's essential to avoid using copper-based treatments in a tank with invertebrates, as it can harm them. Always follow the recommended guidelines for medication use in marine aquariums.
Ophiomastix Sea Stars are also sometimes known as Knobby Fancy Brittle or Red Brittle Sea Stars. They are not commonly seen in the aquarium trade. Ophiomastix Sea Stars are typically tan, brown, red or black. They can grow up to 10".
Water conditions: Salinity 1.023 - 1.025 Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Hardness 8 - 12 dKH
- Care: Moderate
- Behavior: Agressive Social
- Diet: Frozen Food Live Food Herbivore
- Habitat: Reef
- Light: Nocturnal