Green Brittlestar

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Indo-Pacific region. Nocturnal animal that hides deep within live rock crevices or under sand and corals during the day.

Taxonomy: Class Ophiuroidea, family Ophiomyxidae. Large pentagonal central disc with five highly flexible, spiny arms. Total span can reach 50 cm.

Social Behavior: Active night scavenger. Remarkably fast-moving compared to standard starfish. Can become an active predator if underfed.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Olive-green disc patterned with yellow-gold spots, and green banded arms with prominent spines. No sexual dimorphism exists.

Tank Setup: An aquarium of at least 200 liters with plenty of rockwork and caves is necessary to provide safe hiding spots during daytime.

Diet and Feeding: Carnivorous scavenger. Feeds on detritus, leftover fish food. Must be target-fed chunks of shrimp, mussel, or fish meat to prevent predation.

Water Quality: Standard marine parameters. Keep temperature at 22-26 °C, pH at 8.1-8.4, and specific gravity at 1.023-1.025. Sensitive to water quality degradation.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Safe with medium to large fish. Caution with small bottom dwellers (gobies, blennies) and ornamental shrimp, which may be hunted at night.

Aquarium Breeding: Not common. Reproduction in the wild is sexual, releasing gametes into the water column.

Risks and Diseases: Vulnerable to copper-based treatments. Shock from salinity changes can cause arm loss (autotomy). Arms will regenerate over time.