Serpent Starfish

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the serpent starfish reef safe?

Yes. Serpent and brittle stars are peaceful scavengers that eat detritus and leftover food and won’t harm corals. The one to avoid is the green brittle star, which can catch small fish.

What does a serpent starfish do?

It’s a superb detritivore, reaching its arms into the rockwork and sand to find and eat leftover food and waste, helping keep the tank clean. It’s mostly nocturnal.

How do I acclimate a serpent starfish?

Very slowly. Like all echinoderms, starfish are extremely sensitive to salinity and parameter swings, so drip acclimate over an hour or more, and never expose it to air during transfer.