Species Profile
Brittle Star
A nocturnal scavenger that emerges at night to consume detritus and uneaten food — the reef's cleanup ninja.
The Brittle Star (Ophioderma spp.) is the reef's nocturnal cleanup specialist. Hides in rockwork by day and emerges at night to consume detritus and uneaten food. Avoid the green brittle star species, which can attack small fish.
- Min tank: 30 gallons
- Diet: Omnivore (detritus, scraps)
- Reef safe: Yes (avoid green Ophiarachna species)
- Difficulty: Easy