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Ophioderma appressum "Banded Serpent Starfish" |
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| That Fish Place |
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Ophioderma appressum "Banded Serpent Starfish"
Banded Serpent Starfish (Ophioderma appressum, also known as Banded Brittle Starfish) are very common. Their colors are variable, grey, brown, white, but always with the characteristic banded legs. They have smooth, scaly legs.
Starfish in general are very sensitive to changes in water quality and conditions. If temperature, salinity or other water parameters change quickly, starfish cannot regulate the change and are often damaged or killed. Be sure to acclimate carefully and while doing water changes, make sure the "new" water is as close as possible to the "old" water in its parameters.
Most brittle and serpent starfish are scavengers. Some may prey on snails and invertebrates while others eat detritus, leftover food, and tiny organisms in and on the substrate and rockwork. These starfish do not have the suction cup-like tubed feet common in other starfish. Their legs are instead often covered with small spines or hardened scaly plates. The names "brittle starfish" and "serpent starfish" are often used interchangeably, but "serpent starfish" usually refers to smoother-legged "brittle starfish". These starfish will usually hide in rockwork or caves and come out only to feed. Some may prey on live inverts or small fish if underfed, and they may also prey on sick, dead or dying fish. Brittle and Serpent starfish can be fed by placing a piece of clam, shrimp, scallop or other small, meaty foods by their mouth.
Like many other starfish, Brittle Starfish and Serpent Starfish will sometimes break a leg off if stressed or harassed. This is seen even more in these types of starfish than in many of the thicker-bodied starfish (hence the name "brittle" starfish). As long as the starfish is otherwise healthy, these legs can regenerate and the starfish can continue to grow and thrive. These starfish often may have assymetrical legs where they have broken off and begun to grow back.
This is a Restricted item and is not covered by our Arrive Alive 5-Day Guarantee. Please visit the Guarantee Policy and Restricted Species webpages for more information.
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