Care guide, husbandry, breeding, disease, sourcing, and tankmate intelligence on Red Brittle Star - written by the Fast Aquatics editorial team and cross-verified against vendor records on the live marketplace.
Red Brittle Star (Ophioderma squamosissima) is a marine invertebrate kept by aquarists for reef-tank cleanup, biological control of pests, or aesthetic display. Suitable for keepers with 6-12 months of experience and stable water chemistry.
Where Red Brittle Star comes from
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.
Red Brittle Star tank size and setup
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.
For a Red Brittle Star setup: mature reef tank with stable parameters, live rock for cover, sandbed substrate (1-2"), reef-grade lighting if photosynthetic, and a fully-cycled biological filter at least 6 weeks old. Newly-cycled tanks under 6 weeks crash the parameters that Red Brittle Star depends on.
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. Stable parameters beat perfect parameters.
What Red Brittle Star eats
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. Overfeeding is the #1 cause of water-quality crashes in tanks of all sizes.
Red Brittle Star tankmates and compatibility
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 adult size and lifespan
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.
Can you breed Red Brittle Star?
Red Brittle Star breeding in captivity ranges from straightforward (some shrimp, snails) to nearly impossible (most starfish, urchins) due to pelagic larval requirements. Captive-bred specimens are increasingly available from sustainable aquaculture facilities; check with vendors before assuming wild-caught origin.
Common Red Brittle Star diseases and problems
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.
Where to buy Red Brittle Star online
Red Brittle Star is sold at LFS (local fish stores), online retailers, and direct from breeders/wholesalers. Pricing varies widely by source, size, and quality:
Browse live Red Brittle Star from vetted Fast Aquatics vendors with carrier-tracked overnight shipping (FedEx Priority + UPS Next Day), climate-aware hold logic, and a 4-hour DOA window with photo-evidence claims. Captive-bred or aquacultured specimens cost more upfront but arrive healthier and integrate faster.
Red Brittle Star FAQ
How big does Red Brittle Star get?
12 inches at adulthood within 12-24 months.
How long does Red Brittle Star live?
5-10 years with proper care.
What is the minimum tank/pond size?
55 gallons, with larger systems strongly recommended.
Is Red Brittle Star hard to keep?
Red Brittle Star is rated intermediate difficulty.
What does Red Brittle Star eat?
Red Brittle Star is a detritivore; appropriate diet matches its natural feeding pattern.
Red Brittle Star taxonomy and care recommendations cross-checked against the following authoritative references and our internal vendor + breeder database.