Description
Tiger Serpent Starfish (Ophiolepis superba)
Overview:
The Tiger Serpent Starfish is a beautiful and active brittle star featuring striped, banded arms that resemble a tiger’s pattern. Highly mobile and nocturnal, it is an excellent scavenger that brings both utility and striking appearance to the marine aquarium.
Origin:
Native to the Indo-Pacific, commonly found on sandy and rocky reef substrates.
Feeding:
An opportunistic omnivore and scavenger. Feeds on detritus, leftover food, and small invertebrates. Benefits from supplemental feeding with meaty items such as mysis shrimp, chopped seafood, or sinking pellets.
Tank Mates:
Generally reef-safe with fish and corals. May attempt to capture very small fish or shrimp if underfed. Avoid aggressive or predatory tank mates.
Aggression:
Non-aggressive when well-fed, but opportunistic in nature.
Experience Level:
Beginner to intermediate. Hardy and adaptable, though it requires a stable and mature system with plenty of hiding places.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 72–78°F (22–25.5°C)
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pH: 8.1–8.4
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Salinity: 1.023–1.025
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dKH: 8–12
