Description
Yellowish Filamented Brittle Star — Ophiomastix sp. Nocturnal scavenger and micro-predator. Reef-safe. Quick facts Adult size: arm span ~15–25 cm; disc ~2–4 cm Temperament: Shy, nocturnal Reef-safe: Yes (does not harm corals) Role: Detritus cleanup, leftover-food scavenger Care level: Moderate (sensitive to handling and parameter swings) Aquarium requirements Tank: ≥ 80–100 l with mature rockwork and hiding crevices. Substrate: Sand or mixed; not mandatory. Water: pH 8.1–8.4, salinity 1.025–1.026, temp 24–26 °C, NO2 0, NH3 0, NO3 <15–20 ppm. Flow: Moderate. Needs good oxygenation. Cover: Protect pump intakes; brittle arms can get trapped. Diet Feeding: 2–4× per week after lights out. Foods: Small meaty items and fine particulates: mysis, chopped krill/shrimp, pellet crumbs. Target feed a piece near its arms. Behavior and compatibility Activity: Hides by day; extends filamented arms into flow to catch food at night. Tankmates: Safe with inverts and corals. Avoid predators that nip or eat echinoderms (triggers, puffers, large wrasses, some hawkfish). Notes: May steal food from sessile inverts but does not damage healthy corals. Acclimation and handling Acclimate: Slow drip 45–90 min. Match salinity tightly. Handling: Do not expose to air if possible; support the disc, never pull by arms. Stability: Sensitive to rapid changes and low oxygen. Can autotomize arms under stress; regrows over weeks. Husbandry tips Provide multiple rock caves and shaded zones. Spot-feed if the tank is very “clean.” Keep iodine and other trace elements within normal reef ranges via regular water changes; avoid copper medications in display tanks.
