SeafanEmergencies

Brittle star

Serpent and brittle stars

Ophioderma and other Ophiuroidea

Group
Brittle star
Care level
Beginner
With corals
Reef safe

What does the serpent and brittle stars do in a reef tank?

Scavenges leftovers typical, check

With corals: Generally yes

How many should you keep?

No ratio in sources

One US gallon is 3.785 litres and one UK gallon is 4.546 litres, so a "per gallon" rule depends on whose gallon it means.

What can go wrong?

Some are active predators; records are mixed typical, check

Which tankmates are risky?

Fish

Fish that may eat or harass it.

None of the fish in this guide is known to eat or harass it.

Other invertebrates

Invertebrates it may harm, or that may harm it.

None known.

These checks follow the reasons fish and invertebrates clash: same species or genus, similar shape, mouth size, temperament, food, burrows, tank size and the order they are added. Individual animals differ; every source agrees on that.

Sources

  1. Gensou serpent star guideRead 21 October 2026, search summary only.

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