Order
Common name: Brittle Stars
Scientific name: Ophiurida
Ophiurida, commonly known as brittle stars or serpent stars, are a diverse order of echinoderms characterized by their distinct central disc and long, flexible arms. They are key detritivores in reef ecosystems, consuming decaying matter and plankton. Brittle stars are nocturnal and often hide during the day, making them an interesting addition to a reef tank for their behavior and cleanup abilities. They are generally reef-safe and can coexist with corals and other invertebrates, but some species may prey on small fish and invertebrates.
- Common name: brittlestarScientific name: Amphiura filiformis
- 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