Serpent Sea Star

The Serpent Sea Star (Ophioderma sp.) is a fascinating marine creature known for its unique appearance and behavior. Unlike typical sea stars, which have thick, sturdy arms, serpent sea stars feature a round central body and long, slender, snake-like arms. This gives them a distinctive and graceful look, which makes them a captivating addition to any marine aquarium.

As scavengers, serpent sea stars feed on detritus and small organisms they can capture with their flexible arms. They are often found in shallow reefs, although they can inhabit a range of depths, from coastal areas to deeper waters. In the wild, these sea stars prefer to hide in sandy substrates or under rocks, where they can stay out of sight and avoid predators.

Serpent sea stars come in a wide variety of colors and sizes, adding diversity and beauty to any reef environment. A unique feature of sea stars is their ability to regenerate lost arms, making them remarkably resilient. However, this also means they should be handled with care to avoid injury, as losing an arm can be stressful for the creature.

In the aquarium, serpent sea stars thrive best in environments that provide plenty of hiding spots and crevices where they can rest. They do well in tanks with stable water conditions and a sandy substrate, which mimics their natural habitat. These sea stars are peaceful creatures and, when given the right care, can be a long-lasting and intriguing addition to marine aquariums.

Arm span for these sea stars is typically 4-6" and disc diameter around 0.5-1"