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Invertebrates |  |
Phylum: Echinodermata, Class: Ophiuroidea
Range: Tropical Seas
Size: 8 in. Space:: 50+ gal. Diet: Detritus, dead organisms, small mollusks
Reef Safe: Yes Care Level: Easy Temperament: Peaceful
Natural History: The Serpent Stars is seldom seen, despite being a common inhabitant of stony and coral-rich reefs. It can move much more quickly than typical starfish and uses tube feed to move and grab prey. It has strong jaws and can crack small snails open. Their arms are brittle and can crack off. It is a nocturnal animal.
Husbandry: The Serpent Star should be housed in an aquarium with live rock to provide hideouts. It is reclusive and nocturnal, usually only observed at night. Its actual food on the reef is unknown but it serves as a good scavenger in captivity. It prefers warmer temperatures (82°F) and higher salinity (36ppt).
AKA: Short-spined Brittle Star