Brittle Star

SKU: 
799
Scientific Name: 
Ophiocoma echinata
Care Level: 
Easy
Diet: 
Omnivore
Max Size: 
10.00 inches
Water: 
72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg
Reef Compatible: 
Yes

Brittle stars or ophiuroids are echinoderms in the class Ophiuroidea closely related to starfish. They crawl across the sea floor using their flexible arms for locomotion. The ophiuroids generally have five long, slender, whip-like arms which may reach up to 60 cm (24 in) in length on the largest specimens. They are also known as serpent stars; theNew Latin class name Ophiuroidea takes Ancient Greek ὄφις, meaning "serpent".
The Ophiuroidea contain two large clades, Ophiurida (brittle stars) and Euryalida (basket stars). Many of the ophiuroids are rarely encountered in the relatively shallow depths normally visited by humans, but they are a diverse group. Over 2,000 species of brittle stars live today. More than 1200 of these species are found in deep waters, greater than 200 m deep.