Red serpent star (Ophioderma squamosissimum) care guide

Group
Other invertebrates
Other names
Scaly brittle star, Red serpent starfish, Red brittle star
Family
Ophiodermatidae
Origin
Tropical western central Atlantic and Caribbean reefs, 3–85 m
Water
saltwater
Temperature
22–26°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
dKH 8–12, SG 1.023–1.025
Minimum tank
150 litres
Care level
beginner
Temperament
peaceful
Reef safe
yes

Care

The red serpent star is a brittle star of Caribbean and western Atlantic reefs, found at 3–85 m. It has a small central disc and five long, smooth, snake-like arms in bright red to orange-red, without the obvious spines of many brittle stars. It is one of the more colourful and generally hardy brittle stars for reef tanks. Our sources have little on this species; the figures are general guidance, not from a source. Tank set-up: a mature reef or fish tank with live rock caves, where it hides by day with only the arm tips showing. It comes out to feed at night or when it smells food. Acclimatise slowly by drip; like all echinoderms it is sensitive to sudden salinity changes. Water: tropical reef conditions of about 22–26 °C, pH 8.1–8.4, dKH 8–12 and specific gravity 1.023–1.025. Clean-up crew: a good scavenger of leftover food and detritus that gets into the rockwork where other clean-up animals cannot reach. Unlike the green brittle star (Ophiarachna incrassata), serpent stars are not known as fish catchers, though any large brittle star may take a sick or sleeping fish. Copper: copper-based medicines are toxic to shrimp, snails and most invertebrates, and some plant fertilisers carry copper too. Never treat a display tank holding this animal with copper; treat fish in a separate hospital tank, and drip-acclimatise new arrivals slowly. Sources: SeaLifeBase (sealifebase.se/summary/Ophioderma-squamosissimum.html). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Scavenger of detritus and leftover meaty foods. Feed small pieces of mysis, krill, chopped shellfish or sinking pellets near its arms a few times a week if the tank is very clean.

Breeding

Brittle stars generally have separate sexes and spawn into the water; some brood their young. This species is not bred in aquariums.

Compatibility and tank mates

Reef safe; does not harm corals. Generally safe with fish and other invertebrates, though very small or weak animals may occasionally be eaten. Eaten by triggers, puffers, harlequin shrimp and some large wrasses.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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