Common name: common brittlestar

General information

The Common Brittle Star, Ophiothrix fragilis, is a species of echinoderm that is widely recognized for its long, slender, and highly flexible arms. This invertebrate is a fascinating addition to the reef aquarium due to its unique appearance and behavior. Brittle stars are known for their ability to rapidly regenerate lost limbs, which is an adaptation to escape from predators.

Care

In the home aquarium, Ophiothrix fragilis requires a tank with plenty of live rock and a sandy substrate to provide hiding places and surfaces for foraging. They are nocturnal and tend to hide during the day. Brittle stars are scavengers and will feed on detritus, uneaten food, and small organisms within the substrate. Care should be taken to ensure they are not outcompeted for food by other tank inhabitants.

Reproduction

Brittle stars are capable of both sexual and asexual reproduction. In the aquarium, they may spawn by releasing gametes into the water column, although successful breeding and larval survival can be challenging to achieve in captivity.

Symbiosis

While Ophiothrix fragilis does not have the same type of symbiotic relationships as clownfish or anemones, they do play an important role in the aquarium's cleanup crew, helping to maintain a healthy and balanced ecosystem by consuming organic waste.

Habitat

Ophiothrix fragilis is commonly found in the Northeast Atlantic, from the coast of Norway to the Azores and Mediterranean. They inhabit a range of marine environments from shallow waters to depths of several hundred meters, often associating with sponges, corals, and other sessile invertebrates.