Description
Ophiolepis superba, commonly known as the banded brittle star or tiger serpent starfish, is a striking marine invertebrate in the class Ophiuroidea. It features a beige-to-yellow-orange central disc patterned with dark purple or black markings and distinct dark bands along its relatively smooth arms
Physical Traits
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Central Disc: Reaches up to 3 cm (or up to 5–7 cm in some measures) in diameter, covered in large plates surrounded by smaller platelets.
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Arms: Slender and flexible, spanning up to 20 to 30 cm total length, with tiny lateral spines making them look smooth.
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Coloration: Pale yellowish-orange base with bold black or purple bands and disc patterns.
Habitat & Behavior
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Distribution: Found widely across the tropical Indo-West Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Australia and South Pacific islands.
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Environment: Lives in shallow coastal to deeper reef zones (1 to 30 meters deep), hiding under rocks, coral rubble, and crevices during the day.
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Diet: A peaceful, nocturnal scavenger and omnivore that feeds on detritus, carrion, and leftover food.
If you are planning to keep Ophiolepis superba in a marine tank, would you like details on water parameters, tank size requirements, or compatible tank mates?
