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Common Brittle Star (Ophiothrix fragilis)

Find Common Brittle Star across reef-livestock retailers on ReefDock. Compare sources, check known pricing where available, and review care information before you buy.

Common Brittle Star
Photo: (c) Fisheyes cpt, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Fisheyes cpt · cc-by-nc
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Where to buy Common Brittle Star

ReefDock searches the following reef retailers for this invertebrate. Click through to see the live price.

  • Saltwaterfish

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  • Amazon

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  • Petco

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About Common Brittle Star

Ophiothrix fragilis has five slender, delicate arms with distinct spines and bands of contrasting coloration ranging from red, orange, white, or brown. The disc is small and flattened, with a delicate overall morphology typical of brittle stars.

Key facts

Notes
• Minimum 20 gallon tank • Maintain temperature 50–75°F with moderate to strong water flow • Prefers moderate to high salinity (1.023–1.026 SG) and pH 8.0–8.3 • Nocturnal scavenger; provide hiding places and feed detritus, small particles, and occasional meaty foods • Sensitive to copper and sudden water parameter changes; acclimate slowly
Diet Details
Primarily feeds on detritus, biofilm, and microfauna. Benefits from occasional supplementation with small amounts of pulverized macroalgae or liquid phytoplankton.
Type
Starfish
Min tank size
20 gallons
Care Level
Beginner
Category
Starfish
Family
Ophiothricidae
Compatibility
Generally peaceful and compatible with most reef inhabitants. May be preyed upon by large angelfish or aggressive triggers; avoid strong flow that stresses the animal.
Origin
Northeast Atlantic and Mediterranean, from the British Isles and Norway southward to the coasts of West Africa.
Water Parameters
Temperature: 50-75°F pH: 8-8.3 Salinity: 1.023-1.026
Max Size
5
Appearance Description
Ophiothrix fragilis has five slender, delicate arms with distinct spines and bands of contrasting coloration ranging from red, orange, white, or brown. The disc is small and flattened, with a delicate overall morphology typical of brittle stars.

Research before you buy

ReefDock is the sister app to Reef Trak. Use Reef Trak to research and log invertebrates, keep tank parameters organized, and maintain a complete livestock history. Log this invertebrate on Reef Trak.

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