Description
Ophiolepis superba, also known as the banded brittle star or spotted snake starfish, is a marine invertebrate characterized by its distinctive color pattern and relatively short arms. It typically has a beige to pale yellow-orange base color with a striking pattern of black or purple on the disc and bands on the arms. The arms are smooth due to tiny spines, and the disc is covered with larger plates surrounded by a single row of smaller plates.
Key Features:
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Size:
Disc diameter can reach up to 3 cm, with arm lengths up to 9 cm. Some sources indicate a total size of up to 25 cm.
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Coloration:
Beige to pale yellow-orange with a pattern of black or purple on the disc and bands on the arms.
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Arm Structure:
Short, relatively smooth arms due to small lateral spines.
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Habitat:
Found in lower littoral zones and deeper waters, often under rocks and among coral, including coastal and deeper reef areas.
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Distribution:
Indo-West Pacific region, including the Red Sea, East Indies, Australia, and the South Pacific Islands.
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Behavior:
Solitary and spends much of its time hidden, particularly during the day, among rocks and corals. It is an omnivore with carnivorous tendencies, feeding on detritus and carrion.
