Ophiolepis superba

Datasheet

General Description:

The Banded Brittle Sea Star, scientifically known as Ophiolepis superba, belongs to the Asteroidea family. This species can grow up to 20.0cm in size and is commonly found in the West Indian Ocean and The Red Sea. They are characterized by their banded appearance and belong to a family that plays a crucial role in tank cleaning due to their algae and detritus-eating habits.

Aquarium Suitability:

The Banded Brittle Sea Star is considered suitable for most aquarium setups. However, it is essential to note that they might present a threat to smaller fish due to their predatory nature. It is recommended to avoid keeping them with tiny tank mates to prevent any potential harm.

Demands:

With an average level of hardiness, these sea stars have specific demands that need to be met. They thrive in water conditions with a pH ranging from 8.1 to 8.4, a salinity level between 1.020 to 1.025, and a temperature between 22.2 to 25.6 degrees Celsius. Aquarists should maintain water hardness levels between 8-12 dKH to ensure the well-being of the Banded Brittle Sea Star.

Care and Hardiness:

The Banded Brittle Sea Star requires a minimum tank size of 200 liters to provide ample space for them to move and scavenge for food. They are peaceful in temperament and are often reef safe, making them a valuable addition to a marine aquarium. It is crucial to avoid high nitrate or phosphate levels in the tank and provide them with a diet consisting of detritus, microalgae (such as spirulina), and small crustaceans like krill and mysis shrimp.

Reef Suitability:

Known for their peaceful nature, the Banded Brittle Sea Star is often deemed reef safe. They can coexist with various corals and other invertebrates commonly found in reef aquariums. Their algae-eating habits can contribute to the overall health and balance of a reef ecosystem.

Aquarium Setup:

When setting up an aquarium for the Banded Brittle Sea Star, ensure the tank is well-established with stable water parameters. Provide plenty of live rock and substrate for them to scavenge and hide. Carefully acclimate them to the tank environment to avoid any stress due to changes in salinity or temperature.

Behaviour:

These sea stars exhibit a peaceful temperament in aquariums, spending their time scavenging for food and moving across the substrate. They are relatively active during the night and may hide during the day, emerging to feed on detritus and algae.

Feeding and Diet:

Feeding the Banded Brittle Sea Star a varied diet is essential for their health and well-being in captivity. Apart from naturally available food sources in the tank, supplementing their diet with fish pellets or similar foods is recommended if signs of starvation are observed. Providing a diverse diet consisting of detritus, microalgae, and small crustaceans will help maintain their overall health.

Habitat and Distribution:

Native to the West Indian Ocean and The Red Sea, the Banded Brittle Sea Star can be found in sandy and rocky areas near coral reefs. Their distribution in these regions highlights their preference for tropical marine habitats with moderate water flow and ample food sources. When replicating their natural habitat in an aquarium, ensure to provide appropriate substrate and live rock for them to forage and explore.