2026-04-20T22:21:27-07:00

Type: STARFISH
Price: 21.99

Black Brittle Star

Black Brittle Star

The Black Brittle Star (Ophiocoma scolopendrina) is one of the most hardworking and effective cleanup crew members you can add to a saltwater system. With five long, flexible, spiny arms radiating from a compact central disc, this Indo-Pacific species is built for one thing — getting into every corner of your reef that nothing else can reach. It navigates deep into rockwork crevices, under substrate, and through the tightest gaps in your aquascape, consuming detritus, uneaten food, and decaying organic matter before it can break down and impact your water quality.

Unlike slower-moving CUC members, the Black Brittle Star is visibly active — especially after the lights go down, when it emerges fully and moves with surprising speed across the rockwork and sandbed. Its five arms work independently and continuously, sweeping and probing every surface for food. It also has the remarkable ability to regenerate lost arms — a natural defense mechanism that makes it one of the most resilient invertebrates in the hobby.

Peaceful, reef safe, and undemanding, the Black Brittle Star is an excellent addition to any established reef system looking to strengthen its natural filtration from the ground up.

Available Options

Black Brittle Star — Single

One healthy Black Brittle Star (Ophiocoma scolopendrina)

Active and ready to begin foraging immediately upon introduction

100% reef safe — compatible with corals, fish, and all peaceful invertebrates

Care Information

🌡️ Temperature
75–82°F — stable temps essential

🧂 Salinity
1.023–1.025 — drip acclimate carefully

🐠 Temperament
Peaceful — reef safe with all inhabitants

⚙️ Care Level
Easy — thrives in established systems

🍽️ Diet
Scavenger — detritus, uneaten food, organic matter

🏠 Habitat
Live rock and sandy substrate — needs hiding spots

Special Considerations

Brittle stars are highly sensitive to sudden changes in salinity — always drip acclimate slowly over at least 30–60 minutes. Never expose to copper-based medications. In very clean, low-nutrient systems, supplement with occasional target feeding of mysis shrimp or small sinking pellets placed near the rockwork in the evening. Keep away from large aggressive predators such as triggers and puffers that may attack them. Avoid the closely related Green Brittle Star (Ophiarachna incrassata), which is a known predator of fish — the Black Brittle Star is a completely different, peaceful species.

🔍 Aquarium Insights

The Black Brittle Star is a standout addition to any reef cleanup crew:

Accesses areas of the tank that no other CUC member can — deep crevices, under rock overhangs, and tight substrate gaps

Naturally regenerates lost arms — one of the most resilient invertebrates available in the hobby

Nocturnal and fascinating to watch — a moonlight or dim evening light reveals a surprisingly fast and active animal hard at work in your reef

Learn More

For detailed species information, compatibility, and care tips, visit our Species Library.

Livestock Disclaimer
Due to natural variation, the brittle star you receive may vary slightly in arm span and coloration. Photographs are representative examples.

Individual specimens may display differences depending on tank conditions and available food sources.

As with all live animals, proper drip acclimation and a stable, established environment are essential for best results.