Green Brittle Starfish

The Green Brittle Starfish, Ophiarachna incrassata, is a striking marine invertebrate renowned for its vibrant Green colouration and helpful behaviour in marine aquariums. This species typically exhibits five slender, elongated arms radiating from a central disk, giving it a distinctive star-like appearance. Natural Habitat The Green Brittle Starfish, is commonly found in the Indo-West Pacific Ocean from Sri Lanka to The Hawaiian Islands. They live on coral and rocky reefs, often keeping to darker areas, such as caves and overhangs. Why Keep Green Brittle Starfish While its soft green hue and snake like arms serves as a visual spectacle in marine ecosystems, the Green Brittle Starfish also plays a vital ecological role as a predator and scavenger, feeding on a variety of small invertebrates and organic matter. People like to keep them to add variety in their tank and to utilise their scavenging nature. Taxonomy Ophiarachna incrassata, commonly known as the the Green Brittle Starfish, belongs to the kingdom Animalia and phylum Echinodermata. The phylum Echinodermata encompasses a diverse group of marine animals characterized by several distinctive features. Pentaradial Symmetry: Meaning their bodies are organized into five symmetrical parts or multiples of, radiating from a central axis. This is why starfish have a star like appearance. Spiny Skin: Most echinoderms have a spiny or prickly skin, which may be covered with calcareous ossicles or spines. These structures provide protection against predators. Water Vascular System: Echinoderms have a unique hydraulic system called the water vascular system. This is a network of fluid-filled canals. Water enters the starfish body through a pore on its surface known as the madreporite, is pumped through the network and leaves via the arms. This system aids in locomotion and respiration and feeding. Tube Feet: Tube feet are small, muscular projections extending from the body surface of echinoderms. They are operated by hydraulic pressure from the water vascular system and are used for locomotion, attachment, feeding, and sensory functions. Regenerative Abilities: Many echinoderms have remarkable regenerative capabilities, allowing them to regenerate lost body parts, such as arms or even entire bodies, under certain conditions. Keeping Green Brittle Starfish Healthy Starfish like the Green Brittle Starfish are natural scavengers and predators. They can help tidy up by picking up detritus and left over food, or can be fed directly with things like clams or shrimp pellet. They will do better in larger mature tanks that will have enough live and growth to sustain them. They are not suitable for new tanks. Suitable Tank Mates Generally speaking, Starfish are peaceful critters and won’t pose a risk to most tank inhabitants. These brittle stars are predatory so can predate of small critters that it is fast enough to catch. Avoid anything slow moving and small enough for them to handle. They will climb and clamber around so there is a possibility they might dislodging unsecured items, like coral or stones. Avoid housing with predators such as Harlequin shrimp, Triggerfish, Pufferfish or large, predatory wrasse. How Many Should You Keep Multiple starfish can be kept together but they do need enough space and areas for them to scavenge, or else they are at risk of out competing themselves. If wanting multiple starfish, the best thing to do is seek advice. Either give us a call or come and visit us. Lighting Preference Green Brittle Starfish will be happy in a wide range or light conditions, they will seek shelter in caves or crevices. Summary The Green Brittle Starfish (Ophiarachna incrassata) is a vivid and captivating marine invertebrate known for its soft green coloration and five elongated, snake-like arms. Native to the Indo-West Pacific, from Sri Lanka to the Hawaiian Islands, it inhabits coral and rocky reefs, often hiding in caves and crevices. Popular in marine aquariums for its scavenging and predatory role, it helps keep tanks clean by consuming detritus and leftover food. Like other echinoderms, it features pentaradial symmetry, spiny skin, a water vascular system, tube feet, and impressive regenerative abilities. Best suited for mature tanks with stable environments, it should be housed with appropriate tank mates and given plenty of space to forage and hide.