Banded Brittle Star

The Banded Brittle Star extends long, striped arms from a small central disc, exploring gaps that larger scavengers cannot reach. It is mainly active after dark and may spend daylight hours concealed beneath live rock with only an arm or two visible.

Give it an established marine aquarium with accessible caves and enough space to move without becoming trapped. Offer small pieces of marine meat or thawed mysis near its shelter and watch for a feeding response. Uneaten fish food can contribute to its diet, but should not be its only planned food source.

Treat the arms gently during transfers and avoid sudden changes in salinity or water quality. Its scavenging activity does not replace waste removal, and copper-based medications are unsuitable for a system housing this sea star.