Wendt's brittle star

Ophiocoma wendtii

Family : Ophiocomidae

InvertebrateMarinebrittle star

Hardy and active brittle star, ideal for reef aquariums. It feeds on detritus and leftover food.

Popularity
Marine snail
reef algivore
Availability
Specialty only
Shop availability
IUCN Status
LC
Least Concern
Biotope
Caribbean
Récifs de l'Atlantique Ouest tropical.

Description

Wendt's brittle star is a serpentine starfish with a central disc-shaped body and long, slender arms. Its coloration ranges from brown to gray with lighter bands. It is a nocturnal species that hides in rock crevices during the day. It plays an important role in cleaning the substrate by consuming organic waste. In an aquarium, it requires a mature tank with good water flow and plenty of hiding places.

Habitat

Region :

Coral reefs, rocky areas and seagrass beds

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature2428 °C
pH8.18.4
NO₃
≤ 20 mg/L
PO₄
≤ 0.1 mg/L

Care

Difficulty
2/5
Diet
Omnivore
Min. tank
100 L
Min. group
1
Adult size
25 cm
Lifespan
5 years
Temperament
paisible
Propagation
Fission asexuée ou reproduction sexuée avec larves planctoniques

Care notes

Maintain temperature 24-28°C, salinity 1.023-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4. Introduce into an established aquarium with sandy substrate and live rock. Avoid strong pumps that could injure the arms. Feed with frozen meaty foods or invertebrate tablets.

Similar species

Espèces proches, même habitat ou même maintenance

References