Micro Brittle Starfish – Reef Genetics

Size: 1/2 inch to 1 inch

• Sustainably aquacultured in TSA Farm Systems
• Highly effective cleanup crew for removing detritus, uneaten feed and scrubbing the inner spaces of live rock.
• Absolutely reef safe for fish, corals and other invertebrate cleanup crew.
• Will breed in most home aquariums
• 10 individuals enough to colonize up to 100 Gallon Aquarium
• Sustainable Live Feed for Bongo Shrimp (Phyllognathia ceratophthalma)

Introduction to Micro Brittle Stars (Reef-Safe Cleanup Crew)

Micro brittle stars (Ophiuroidea sp.) are tiny, reef-safe scavengers that play an essential role in maintaining a clean and balanced aquarium ecosystem. Found deep within live rock and substrate, these nocturnal detritivores emerge at night to consume uneaten food, organic waste, and debris, preventing waste buildup in hard-to-reach areas.At Top Shelf Aquatics, we aquaculture micro brittle stars in-house, ensuring sustainable, parasite-free specimens that adapt quickly to home reef systems.

Care Requirements

Care Level: Easy – Requires no direct feedingMinimum Tank Size: 10+ gallonsAquarium Setup: Thrives in established live rock and sand bedsMicro brittle stars hide within rock crevices during the day, extending their thin, flexible arms at night to collect floating particles and organic matter.

Diet & Nutrition

Micro brittle stars are natural scavengers, helping to break down detritus and leftover food in reef aquariums.Diet: Scavenger – Feeds on organic waste, uneaten food, and microalgaeSupplemental Foods:Crushed fish food or pellets (if needed)Finely chopped seafood or mysis shrimp (optional but beneficial)Because they efficiently consume organic matter, they do not require dedicated feeding in well-established reef tanks.

Lifespan & Growth Rate

Lifespan: 5+ yearsGrowth Rate: Slow – Typically remains under 1 inchMicro brittle stars are self-sustaining in aquariums and will reproduce naturally, ensuring a continuous population in the tank.

Temperament & Compatibility

Temperament: Peaceful – Does not compete with other invertebratesReef Safe? Yes – Completely safe for corals, fish, and cleanup crewsThese stars are excellent for all reef aquariums, as they:Do not prey on corals or fishCoexist with shrimp, snails, and other cleanersHelp maintain live rock health by scrubbing inner spacesThey also serve as a sustainable live feed for specialized species like Bongo Shrimp (Phyllognathia ceratophthalma).

Common Challenges & Considerations

Hides During the Day: Primarily nocturnal, so best observed at night.Slow Population Growth: While self-sustaining, they reproduce gradually.Needs Stable Conditions: Sensitive to sudden salinity or temperature swings.For best results, introduce a starter population of at least 10 individuals per 100 gallons to encourage long-term colonization.

Water Conditions

Temperature: 74-80°FdKH (Alkalinity): 8-12pH: 8.1-8.4Specific Gravity: 1.024-1.026Micro brittle stars thrive in mature reef environments with plenty of rockwork and stable parameters.Why Choose Our Aquacultured Micro Brittle Stars?Unlike wild-collected specimens, our aquacultured micro brittle stars:Are sustainably bred in-houseAre free of parasites or hitchhikersAdapt quickly to home aquariumsHelp maintain a cleaner, healthier reef ecosystemBy introducing these efficient detritivores, you create a more balanced and self-sustaining reef tank with minimal maintenance.