Common name: smooth starfish

General information

Hacelia attenuata, commonly known as the Brittle Star, is a species of starfish that is well-regarded in the reefkeeping community for its scavenging abilities. This invertebrate is adept at cleaning up detritus and uneaten food, which helps maintain water quality in the aquarium. Its long, slender arms and central disc give it a distinctive appearance that adds to the diversity and interest of a reef tank.

Care

Brittle Stars are generally hardy and can adapt to a range of conditions found in marine aquariums. They require a tank with plenty of live rock and a sandy substrate where they can hide and search for food. Hacelia attenuata is nocturnal, so it is most active at night. During the day, it will often retreat to crevices or under rocks. It's important to ensure that the tank is well-cycled and stable before introducing this species.

Reproduction

In the home aquarium, reproduction of Hacelia attenuata is not commonly observed. In the wild, they can reproduce both sexually and asexually. Sexual reproduction involves the release of eggs and sperm into the water column, while asexual reproduction occurs through fragmentation, where a part of an arm detaches and regenerates into a new individual.

Habitat

Hacelia attenuata is found in a variety of marine environments, from shallow reefs to deeper waters. In the wild, they are often associated with rocky substrates and coral rubble where they can find ample food and shelter. They are distributed across the Indo-Pacific region, making them a species that is accustomed to the conditions similar to many reef aquariums.