Yellow Fancy Brittle Sea Star

Yellow Fancy Brittle Sea Star (Ophiarachna sp.) is a semi-aggressive species that is reef-safe with caution, admired for its striking yellow coloration, long flexible arms, unique movement, and ability to scavenge effectively in reef systems.

Males typically display similar physical traits to females, with no obvious external sexual dimorphism, though males may exhibit more active foraging behavior, while females/juveniles tend to be slightly smaller and less dominant in feeding responses.

They reach about 12–15 inches in arm span and should be housed in aquariums of at least 50–75 gallons. Provide ample live rock with crevices for hiding, a sandy substrate for burrowing, and open space for movement, along with stable water parameters (salinity ~1.020–1.025, temp ~72–79°F, pH ~8.1–8.4). A secure lid is essential since brittle stars are known to crawl up the glass and escape.

Diet should consist of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, chopped krill, brine shrimp, small pieces of fish or clam, and scavenged detritus. They may also take sinking pellets. While generally scavengers, they can occasionally prey on very small fish or invertebrates if underfed.

With proper care, this sea star makes a hardy and fascinating addition to marine aquariums, particularly for hobbyists who appreciate their unique nocturnal behavior and vivid color.

International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee: All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. On request, we also send photos/videos after arrival at IA. Some species are import-to-order (3-10 business days). Many common species are already cleared or near the end of QT.

Several species will be import-to-order and may take anywhere from 3-10 business days to secure. Once your fish is secured, you will be notified, and the quarantine process will then begin.