Common name: Red Brittle Star

General information

The Red Brittle Star, Chaetaster longipes, is a striking and beneficial invertebrate for the marine aquarium. Known for their long, slender arms and vibrant coloration, these echinoderms are not only fascinating to observe but also serve as an important part of the clean-up crew, scavenging detritus and uneaten food.

Care

Red Brittle Stars are relatively hardy and can adapt to a range of aquarium conditions. They prefer a tank with plenty of live rock and a sandy substrate where they can hide and search for food. It's important to ensure that the tank is well-established, as they rely on a stable environment and the presence of microfauna for sustenance.

Reproduction

In the home aquarium, reproduction of Red Brittle Stars is a rare event. However, in the wild, they reproduce both sexually and asexually. Sexual reproduction involves the release of gametes into the water column, while asexual reproduction occurs through the division of their central disc, allowing a new individual to regenerate from a single arm.

Symbiosis

While not known for any specific symbiotic relationships in the reef aquarium, Red Brittle Stars may coexist with a variety of tank mates, provided they are not aggressive or likely to prey on echinoderms.

Habitat

Chaetaster longipes is found in a range of marine environments, from shallow reefs to deeper waters. They are nocturnal and tend to hide during the day, emerging at night to feed. In the aquarium, replicating this environment by providing hiding places and subdued lighting can help them thrive.