Brittle star ID

[Patrick_NL]

Hey people,

I've bought this brittle star, but I can't ID it.
The pattern is beautifull, but I've never seen such pattern.

Someone can help me?

thnx

 

[Alavaster]

whatever species it is, it's rad

 

[finsurgeon]

It is the "Elegant Brittle Star" , ophiomastix variabilis. I've been lucky enough to have found and kept 3 over the last 8-9 years, and all are still with me. They are great looking and well-behaved, and unlike most brittle stars, they tend to live up on top of the rock work, trailing tentacles in the current to catch food. They are happy to grab a piece of mysis or small krill, but can also just fend for themselves.

 

[Patrick_NL]

thanks!
Indeed it is always visible, searching for food.
Did you have any problems with the star hunting for fish?