Chain Link Brittle Star (Ophiomastix annulosa)

The Chain Link Brittle Star is a fascinating and resilient invertebrate known for its unique coloration and intricate pattern. With its dark body covered in lighter, chain-like markings, this brittle star adds both functionality and visual interest to the aquarium. It is a peaceful species that spends most of its time hiding in rockwork, emerging at night to scavenge for detritus and leftover food. As part of the cleanup crew, the Chain Link Brittle Star is a great addition to larger reef tanks, where it helps maintain water quality by consuming waste and organic debris.

Care Information

• Maximum Size: Up to 12 inches (arm span).
• Tank Size: 30 gallons minimum; requires ample rockwork and a mature substrate for hiding and foraging.
• Diet: Omnivorous; feeds on detritus, leftover food, and small organic particles. It may benefit from occasional supplemental feedings of small meaty foods like mysis shrimp or finely chopped seafood.
• Water Temp: 72-78°F.
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025.
• Aggression: Peaceful; the Chain Link Brittle Star is non-aggressive and coexists well with fish, corals, and other invertebrates.
• Skill Level: Beginner; hardy and easy to care for, making it suitable for aquarists of all levels.
• Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe; does not harm corals or other invertebrates, making it an ideal addition to reef tanks as part of the cleanup crew.

Special Feature - Nocturnal Scavenger
The Chain Link Brittle Star is primarily nocturnal, spending the day hidden among rockwork and emerging at night to scavenge. This behavior makes it a useful addition to the tank’s cleanup crew, as it helps consume uneaten food and detritus that might otherwise degrade water quality.

Compatibility
This brittle star is peaceful and compatible with a wide variety of tankmates, including fish, corals, and other invertebrates. Avoid housing it with large, predatory species that might view it as food.

Coloration

• Indo-Pacific Region: The Chain Link Brittle Star has a dark body with lighter, chain-like patterns across its arms, creating a unique and eye-catching look in the aquarium​.

Typical Habitat

• Distribution: Found throughout the Indo-Pacific, especially in reef environments with ample hiding spaces and a mature substrate for foraging. It thrives in well-established aquariums with stable conditions.