Micro Brittle Starfish 5-Pack, Reef-Safe Cleanup Crew for Established Aquariums with Live Rock
Micro brittle starfish quietly clean the places other aquarium residents cannot easily reach, scavenging detritus and uneaten food from live rock and substrate after dark.
This five-count pack brings sustainably aquacultured, peaceful invertebrates to an established reef aquarium. Each star typically remains under 1 inch and spends daylight hours tucked into rock crevices.
They require no dedicated feeding in a well-established tank, making them a practical addition for reef keepers who want ongoing cleanup within the rockwork.
Key Features
- Nocturnal scavenging reaches into live-rock crevices, where the stars consume trapped organic matter and leftover food that can otherwise accumulate.
- Their reef-safe temperament allows them to coexist with fish, corals, shrimp, snails, and other cleanup-crew invertebrates.
- Thin, flexible arms extend from hiding places at night to collect floating particles, supporting cleanup without disrupting the daytime aquarium view.
- Aquacultured specimens provide a sustainable alternative to wild-collected stars and adapt quickly to home reef systems.
- Natural reproduction can gradually establish a continuing population when the aquarium remains mature and stable.
Specifications
- Pack contains 5 micro brittle starfish.
- Each star measures approximately 1/2 inch to 1 inch.
- Care level is easy.
- Recommended minimum tank size is 10 gallons.
- An established aquarium with live rock and a sand bed is recommended.
- The stars are primarily nocturnal.
- The diet consists of organic waste, uneaten food, and microalgae.
- Dedicated feeding is not required in a well-established reef tank.
- Typical lifespan is 5 years or longer.
- Growth is slow, and adult size typically remains under 1 inch.
- Recommended water temperature is 74–80°F.
- Recommended alkalinity is 8–12 dKH.
- Recommended pH is 8.1–8.4.
- Recommended specific gravity is 1.024–1.026.
- Stable salinity and temperature are required because sudden swings can affect these stars adversely.
Introduce them to a mature, stable reef and expect most activity after lights-out. For long-term colonization, a starter population of at least 10 individuals per 100 gallons is recommended.