Serpent Starfish
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Ophiolepis superba
| Identification | Central disc with five long, smooth, snake-like banded arms. Typically tan, grey, or beige with darker patterned banding. Distinguished from brittle stars by its smooth arm surface. |
|---|---|
| Maximum Length | Up to 10 inches arm span |
| Origin | Indo-Pacific |
| Minimum Tank Size | 30 gallons |
| Reef Compatibility | Excellent |
Behavior
Nocturnal reef-safe scavenger. Hides in rockwork and crevices during the day and forages at night. One of the safest and most effective serpent star clean-up crew members — does not prey on fish.
Diet & Feeding
Scavenger. Consumes detritus, uneaten food, and organic waste from the substrate and within rock crevices.
Cautions
Avoid exposing to air during handling. Drip-acclimate on introduction. Safe with all fish and invertebrates. Avoid keeping with Green Serpent Stars, which may outcompete it for food.
