A small central disc trailing five long, smooth, snake-like arms that flow rather than walk. It lives out of sight under the rocks and emerges when it smells food in the water.
Temperament
Common health issues
- Scale / shell rot
- Nutritional deficiency
- Parasites
Care at a glance
- ExerciseLow
A calm, unhurried swimmer โ peaceful surroundings suit them best.
- GroomingRoutine tank care
Weekly partial water changes keep them in top shape.
- Living spaceNano-tank friendly
Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.
- Owner experienceGreat first pet
Forgiving and easy to get started with.
- Commitment5โ10 years
Plan for a long, loving relationship.
Health to watch: Scale / shell rot ยท Nutritional deficiency ยท Parasites
๐ Care guide
The Red Serpent Star (Ophioderma squamosissimum) comes from the tropical western Atlantic and has an arm span of roughly 25 to 30 cm from a disc only a few centimetres across. Unlike true starfish it moves by snaking its arms rather than by tube feet, and unlike brittle stars its arms are smooth rather than spiny. It hides under rock during the day and forages at night. Keep it in an established reef of 150 litres or more at 24-27C, salinity 1.024-1.026, pH 8.1-8.4, with plenty of rock overhangs, no copper and slow drip acclimation, since echinoderms are very sensitive to rapid salinity change. It scavenges leftover food and detritus, but should be target fed a small piece of shrimp, mysis or clam two or three times a week rather than left to find scraps. It is peaceful and reef safe. Avoid the green brittle star (Ophiarachna incrassata), a superficially similar animal that is known to catch and eat small fish.
Frequently asked questions
How active is a Red Serpent Star?
Low. A calm, unhurried swimmer โ peaceful surroundings suit them best.
How much maintenance does a Red Serpent Star need?
Routine tank care. Weekly partial water changes keep them in top shape.
What tank size does a Red Serpent Star need?
Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.
Is a Red Serpent Star a good fit for first-time owners?
Great first pet. Forgiving and easy to get started with.
How long do Red Serpent Star live?
5โ10 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.
What health issues affect the Red Serpent Star?
Keep an eye out for Scale / shell rot, Nutritional deficiency, Parasites. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.
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