Pink Brittle Sea Star - Ophiomastix sp.
Picture taken August 2005, Nikon D70 Digital SLR, Nikkor 18-70mm DX lens

This is a fairly rare pink brittle sea star which is an excellent addition to my reef tank.

Order: Ophiurida

Family: Ophiocomidae

Genus: Ophiomastix sp.

There are 14 Indo Pacific Ophiomastix species. Most species have large, protruding club shaped spines among the normal spines.

This sea star is a scavenger feeding on organic material such as detritus and small invertebrates. Accepts most foods offered. In the wild it lives in shallow water, usually sandy bottoms. Can be found in depths up to 20 meters.

PPink Brittle Sea Star (Ophiomastix sp.) Arm
Picture taken December 2005, Nikon D70 Digital SLR, Sigma 105mm macro lens

Closeup of one of the arms on this neat sea star. A very interesting pattern.