 |
Invertebrates |  |
Phylum: Echinodermata, Class: Ophiuroidea
Range: Caribbean
Size: 12 in. Space:: 50+ gal. Diet: Detritus, dead organisms, small mollusks
Reef Safe: Yes Care Level: Easy Temperament: Peaceful
Natural History: Red Brittle Stars are seldom seen on coral reefs. They move much more quickly than typical starfish and use tube feed to move and grab prey. They have strong jaws and can crack small snails open. Their arms are brittle and can crack off. They are generally secretive and nocturnal and move about at night to search for food.
Husbandry: The Serpent Star should be housed in an aquarium with live rock to provide hideouts. They are reclusive and nocturnal, usually only observed at night. Its actual food on the reef is unknown but they serve as good scavengers in captivity. It prefers warmer temperatures (82°F) and higher salinity (36ppt).
AKA: Short-spined Brittle Star