Class
Common name: Brittle Stars
Scientific name: Ophiuroidea
Ophiuroidea, commonly known as brittle stars and basket stars, are a class of echinoderms characterized by their long, slender arms which are distinct from their central disc. These invertebrates are known for their ability to regenerate lost limbs and exhibit fascinating nocturnal behaviors. They play a crucial role in the reef ecosystem as scavengers and detritivores, helping to maintain the cleanliness and balance of the aquarium environment. Brittle stars are generally reef-safe and can be excellent additions to a marine aquarium, where they contribute to the biodiversity and functional complexity of the system.
- Common name: brittlestarScientific name: Amphiura filiformis
- Common name: Giant Basket StarScientific name: Astrophyton muricatum
- Common name: Variable Brittle StarScientific name: Macrophiothrix variabilis
- Common name: savigny's brittle starScientific name: Ophiactis savignyi
- Common name: Green Brittle StarScientific name: Ophiarachna affinis
- Common name: Green Brittle StarScientific name: Ophiarachna incrassata
- Common name: black brittle starScientific name: Ophiocoma echinata
- Common name: banded ophiocomaScientific name: Ophiocoma pumila
- Common name: Brittle StarScientific name: Ophiocoma scolopendrina
- Common name: red ophiocomaScientific name: Ophiocoma wendtii
- Common name: harlequin brittle starScientific name: Ophioderma appressa
- Common name: Short-spined brittle starScientific name: Ophioderma brevispina
- Common name: Red Brittle StarScientific name: Ophioderma phoenia
- Common name: ruby brittle starScientific name: Ophioderma rubicunda
- Common name: Banded Brittle StarScientific name: Ophiolepis superba
- Common name: black brittle starScientific name: Ophiomastix variabilis
- Common name: slimy brittle starScientific name: Ophiomyxa flaccida
- Common name: Brittle StarScientific name: Ophionereis porrecta
- Common name: Banded Brittle StarScientific name: Ophionereis schayeri
- Common name: common brittlestarScientific name: Ophiothrix fragilis
- Common name: Purple Brittle StarScientific name: Ophiothrix purpurea
- Common name: Sponge brittle starScientific name: Ophiothrix suensoni
- Common name: Brittle StarScientific name: Ophiura albida
- Common name: serpent starScientific name: Ophiura ophiura