Black Brittle Star

Brittle stars move nothing like true sea stars — instead of crawling slowly on tube feet, they use their long, flexible arms as levers, snaking across rock and sand fast enough to startle anyone used to the glacial pace of a Fromia or Linckia. Grab one by an arm and it'll shed that limb on the spot, a defense called autotomy, and simply regrow it over the following molts — a jet-black scavenger that's tougher than it looks.

Care level: Easy · Temperament: Peaceful · Max size: ~10" arm span · Min tank: 20 gal · Reef safe: Yes · Diet: Scavenger, detritus/meaty foods