amphiu #1
it's the same as micro brittle. micro brittle start is not a species, it refers to ophia and amphiu species.
not muhc is known about htese species,i hopefully oenday will have a bunch and start researching them in like a 2.5 gal nano or somethin. there helpful hitchhikers. don't get rid of them or anything, there very nice to have.
EDIT: yeah, ophiura may be right, Amphipholis squamata it could be. i believe amphui and amphipholis are very similar.
INFO thanks to Project Dibs
Identification: These small brittlestars are members of the family Amphiuridae. The scientific classification of small brittlestars is basically a big mess and ID below the family level requires an expert. Identification discussion with Dr Shimek on Marine Depot Lucky for us, Project DIBS now has a brittle star expert (Ophiura) and she believes these are Amphipholis squamata.
Size: Typical aquarium size is no more than 38mm (1.5") from arm tip to arm tip. Central body is typically 6-8mm when full grown.
Reproduction: It is a self fertilizing simultaneous hermaphrodite that broods its offspring. Does not reproduce as a general rule by fission (splitting). It is the subject of many genetic studies and bioluminecense research. Source: Ophiura from Project DIBS forums.
Lifespan: Unknown in the wild and tank. This is an area that could be researched.
Sexual Maturity: It is unknown how long it takes these brittlestars to reach sexual maturity. This is an area that could be researched.
Potential Problems:
None known
Diet/Breeding Tips:
I have observed them capture and consume frozen cyclopleeze from tank feedings. They could consume other meaty foods, I just haven't seen it. They normally stay confined to the sandbed, rarely seen on live rock or the glass.
I went through a period of not feeding my reef tank due to Cirolanid isopods and these starfish did not appear numerous. Now that I'm feeding my tank meaty foods they are much more numerous.
