Thick brittle star

Ophiarachna incrassata

Family : Ophiodermatidae

InvertebrateMarinebrittle star

The thick brittle star is a large predatory brittle star, recognizable by its thick arms and green or brown coloration.

Thick brittle star — photo 1 sur 4
Neıl ☎ · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.01 / 4
Popularity
Marine snail
reef algivore
Availability
Specialty only
Shop availability
IUCN Status
LC
Least Concern
Biotope
Indo-Pacific
Récifs coralliens de l'océan Indien et Pacifique tropical.

Description

This brittle star has a large central disc and five thick, spiny arms. Its coloration ranges from olive green to dark brown, sometimes with patterns. It is nocturnal and hides in crevices during the day. It is an opportunistic predator that captures small fish and invertebrates. Its arms are fragile and can regenerate. It can reach 20 cm in diameter.

Habitat

Region :

Coral reefs and rocky areas

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature2428 °C
pH8.18.4
GH812 °dGH
KH812 °dKH
Salinity1.0231.025
NO₃
≤ 20 mg/L
PO₄
≤ 0.1 mg/L
Calcium
≥ 400 ppm
Magnesium
≥ 1300 ppm
Light
Low
Flow
Medium

Care

Difficulty
3/5
Diet
Carnivore
Min. tank
100 L
Min. group
1
Adult size
20 cm
Lifespan
5 years
Temperament
Semi-aggressive
Propagation
difficult

Care notes

Maintain temperature 24-28°C, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.023-1.025. A minimum tank size of 100 liters is required. Diet should include pieces of fish, shrimp, or mussels. Avoid keeping with very small fish as it may eat them. Low lighting and moderate flow are suitable. Sandy substrate and rocks for hiding are important. Captive breeding is rare.

Similar species

Espèces proches, même habitat ou même maintenance

References