Flat brittle star

Ophioderma appressum

Family : Ophiodermatidae

InvertebrateMarinebrittle star

Discreet brittle star with a flattened body, perfect for reef aquariums. It cleans the substrate by consuming detritus.

Flat brittle star — photo 1 sur 4
James St. John · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.01 / 4
Popularity
Marine snail
reef algivore
Availability
Specialty only
Shop availability
IUCN Status
LC
Least Concern

Description

The flat brittle star is distinguished by its large, flat central disc, often reddish-brown with lighter patterns. Its arms are relatively short and thick. It lives buried in sand or under rocks, emerging only at night to feed. It is a very hardy species that contributes to the biological balance of the aquarium. It accepts a wide variety of food and reproduces easily by fission.

Habitat

Region :

Sandy and muddy bottoms, seagrass beds, shallow coral reefs

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

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

Care

Difficulty
1/5
Diet
Omnivore
Min. tank
80 L
Min. group
1
Adult size
20 cm
Lifespan
4 years
Temperament
paisible
Propagation
Fission asexuée fréquente

Care notes

Temperature 24-28°C, salinity 1.023-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4. Fine sandy substrate at least 5 cm deep to allow burrowing. Feed with frozen meaty foods or invertebrate pellets. Avoid aggressive fish.

Similar species

Espèces proches, même habitat ou même maintenance

References