{"product_id":"black-brittlestar","title":"Brittle Starfish","description":"\u003cp data-end=\"302\" data-start=\"40\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-end=\"66\" data-start=\"44\"\u003eBlack Brittle Star\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem data-end=\"88\" data-start=\"68\"\u003eOphiocoma echinata\u003c\/em\u003e) is a fascinating echinoderm known for its distinctive appearance and beneficial role in marine aquariums. Its unique morphology and scavenging behavior make it a valuable addition to well-maintained reef systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"329\" data-start=\"304\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"329\" data-start=\"304\"\u003eEssential Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"901\" data-start=\"331\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"390\" data-start=\"331\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"350\" data-start=\"333\"\u003eCommon Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black Brittle Star, Banded Brittle Star\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"434\" data-start=\"391\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"413\" data-start=\"393\"\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-end=\"434\" data-start=\"414\"\u003eOphiocoma echinata\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"461\" data-start=\"435\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"448\" data-start=\"437\"\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ophiocomidae\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"592\" data-start=\"462\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"483\" data-start=\"464\"\u003eOrigin\/Habitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e Found in the Atlantic Ocean, particularly in the Caribbean Sea, inhabiting coral reefs and rocky substrates.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"656\" data-start=\"593\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"612\" data-start=\"595\"\u003eMaximum Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Arm span can reach up to 12 inches (30 cm).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"732\" data-start=\"657\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"672\" data-start=\"659\"\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/strong\u003e With proper care, they can live several years in captivity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"817\" data-start=\"733\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"759\" data-start=\"735\"\u003eLevel of Difficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Easy; suitable for both novice and experienced aquarists.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"901\" data-start=\"818\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"834\" data-start=\"820\"\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes; generally considered reef safe and beneficial as a scavenger.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"935\" data-start=\"903\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"935\" data-start=\"903\"\u003eAppearance \u0026amp; Physical Traits\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"1198\" data-start=\"937\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1061\" data-start=\"937\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"964\" data-start=\"939\"\u003eColoration \u0026amp; Pattern:\u003c\/strong\u003e Typically exhibits a dark brown to black coloration, sometimes with banded patterns on the arms.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1198\" data-start=\"1062\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"1091\" data-start=\"1064\"\u003eBody Shape \u0026amp; Structure:\u003c\/strong\u003e Features a small central disc with long, slender arms covered in tiny spines, giving a brittle appearance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1233\" data-start=\"1200\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1233\" data-start=\"1200\"\u003eHabitat \u0026amp; Environmental Needs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"1668\" data-start=\"1235\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1392\" data-start=\"1235\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"1259\" data-start=\"1237\"\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e A well-established aquarium of at least 20 gallons (75 liters) is recommended to provide adequate space and stable water conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1464\" data-start=\"1393\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"1417\" data-start=\"1395\"\u003eWater Temperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Maintain between 72°F and 78°F (22°C to 26°C).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1506\" data-start=\"1465\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"1480\" data-start=\"1467\"\u003epH Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep between 8.1 and 8.4.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1563\" data-start=\"1507\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"1530\" data-start=\"1509\"\u003eSpecific Gravity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Optimal range is 1.023 to 1.025.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1668\" data-start=\"1564\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"1580\" data-start=\"1566\"\u003eAquascape:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide ample live rock and a sandy substrate to offer hiding spots and foraging areas.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1688\" data-start=\"1670\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1688\" data-start=\"1670\"\u003eDiet \u0026amp; Feeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"2035\" data-start=\"1690\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1728\" data-start=\"1690\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"1706\" data-start=\"1692\"\u003eDiet Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivorous scavenger.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1885\" data-start=\"1729\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"1751\" data-start=\"1731\"\u003ePreferred Foods:\u003c\/strong\u003e Feeds on detritus, uneaten food, and small organisms. May also accept small pieces of shrimp, fish, or commercial invertebrate foods.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2035\" data-start=\"1886\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"1910\" data-start=\"1888\"\u003eFeeding Frequency:\u003c\/strong\u003e Typically does not require direct feeding in a well-established aquarium but can be fed occasionally to supplement its diet.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2065\" data-start=\"2037\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2065\" data-start=\"2037\"\u003eBehavior \u0026amp; Compatibility\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"2496\" data-start=\"2067\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2183\" data-start=\"2067\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"2085\" data-start=\"2069\"\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Generally peaceful and reclusive; spends much of the day hiding and becomes more active at night.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2253\" data-start=\"2184\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"2206\" data-start=\"2186\"\u003eSocial Behavior:\u003c\/strong\u003e Non-aggressive towards other tank inhabitants.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2422\" data-start=\"2254\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"2284\" data-start=\"2256\"\u003eTank Mate Compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Compatible with a wide range of reef-safe fish and invertebrates. Avoid housing with aggressive predators that may prey on brittle stars.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2496\" data-start=\"2423\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"2444\" data-start=\"2425\"\u003eActivity Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Nocturnal; primarily active during nighttime hours.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2540\" data-start=\"2498\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2540\" data-start=\"2498\"\u003eCare Considerations \u0026amp; Additional Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"3084\" data-start=\"2542\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2665\" data-start=\"2542\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"2561\" data-start=\"2544\"\u003eEase of Care:\u003c\/strong\u003e Easy; thrives in stable, mature reef aquariums with appropriate hiding spots and a natural food supply.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2843\" data-start=\"2666\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"2693\" data-start=\"2668\"\u003eSpecial Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sensitive to rapid changes in water parameters and copper-based medications. Ensure stable water conditions and avoid exposure to harmful substances.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2919\" data-start=\"2844\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"2864\" data-start=\"2846\"\u003eBreeding Info:\u003c\/strong\u003e Breeding in captivity is rare and not well-documented.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3084\" data-start=\"2920\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"2943\" data-start=\"2922\"\u003eAdditional Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e While generally reef safe, it's essential to monitor their behavior, as some individuals may prey on small, delicate tank mates if underfed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Inverts Bay","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42719273713803,"sku":"4271927371","price":30.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0628\/8578\/9835\/files\/black-brittlestar.jpg?v=1739319548","url":"https:\/\/ca9ea5-6d.myshopify.com\/products\/black-brittlestar","provider":"Inverts Bay","version":"1.0","type":"link"}