Black Brittle Starfish

 Scientific Name  Ophiomastix sp.
 Diet  Carnivore; scavenger, microbial life, flake, frozen foods, small fish
 Alt Common Name  
 Family  Ophiodermatidae
 Origin  Bali
 Aquarist Level  Novice
 Reef Safe  Yes †
 Coloration  Black/Gray with Black/White markings
 Disposition  Peaceful †
 Hardiness  Very
 Mature Size  2 inches - central disc diameter
 Reproduction Method  Young carried in brood pouches.
 Sexual Dimorphism  Not visible
 Venomous  No
 

Notes:  Brittle Starfish make excellent cleaners in the reef or fish only aquarium.  They do not allow a piece of food to go unused and over time become domesticated to feeding, crawling out of their nooks to eagerly accept food provided from the aquarist.  Larger specimens may prey on small, slow fish at night.  Damaged arms are readily reproduced in the home aquarium.

† It has been reported that this species may a nocturnal hunter of small fish.