Red Brittle Star

Red Brittle Star requires a minimum of 55 gallons for healthy adults. The minimum is based on the species' adult size (12 inches), territorial range, and behavior pattern. Most Red Brittle Star sold at small juvenile size will reach full adult size within 12-24 months and the system must be sized to the adult, not the juvenile.

The Red Brittle Star is rated intermediate difficulty on this care sheet. It needs a tank of at least 55 gallons, a temperature of 76-80°F (24-27°C) and pH 8.1-8.4. Adults reach about 12 inches and live 5-10 years. Red Brittle Star (Ophioderma squamosissima) is a intermediate-care saltwater species that thrives in tanks of 55 gallons or larger with stable parameters.

Red Brittle Star requires standard reef parameters held tightly stable: Temperature: 76-80°F (24-27°C) Specific gravity: 1.025 (refractometer-measured) pH: 8.1-8.4 Alkalinity: 8-9 dKH Calcium: 420-450 ppm Magnesium: 1300-1400 ppm Ammonia + nitrite: Both 0 ppm Nitrate: Under 10 ppm Copper: 0 (lethal to invertebrates) Red Brittle Star is sensitive to copper - never medicate the display tank with copper if Red Brittle Star is present.

Red Brittle Star is a detritivore. Eats uneaten food, fish waste, and biofilm. Generally finds enough food in a stocked tank without supplemental feeding. If population thins, drop in algae wafers or sinking pellets weekly. Feed Red Brittle Star appropriately for its size + activity level.

Red Brittle Star is generally peaceful and compatible with most reef community species. Avoid keeping with predatory fish that view inverts as food: large wrasses (especially halichoeres + thalassoma), triggerfish, pufferfish, and certain large angelfish. Multiple Red Brittle Star can share a tank but compete for food. Browse care guides for tankmate-compatibility tables for Red Brittle Star and similar species.

Red Brittle Star reaches 12 inches at adulthood with a captive lifespan of 5-10 years with proper care. Many marine inverts molt periodically; provide adequate calcium and a stable parameter regime to support healthy molts. The minimum is based on the species' adult size (12 inches), territorial range, and behavior pattern.

Red Brittle Star is sensitive to copper, ammonia spikes, low oxygen, and rapid parameter swings. NEVER use copper medications in a tank with Red Brittle Star. Symptoms of stress: reclusive behavior, color loss, refusal to feed, abnormal molting (incomplete or stuck molts). Most Red Brittle Star deaths trace back to acclimation shock or parameter mismatch - drip-acclimate over 45-60 minutes when adding to a new tank.

Red Brittle Star (Ophioderma squamosissima) is native to Indo-Pacific reef ecosystems, with wild populations distributed across coral reefs, sandy lagoons, and rocky tide pools. Captive specimens are typically wild-collected; some species are starting to be aquacultured but most Red Brittle Star sold today still comes from wild reef collection. Sustainable sourcing matters - look for vendors who can verify their collection practices, and consider aquacultured alternatives when available.