Banded Serpent Star

Ophiomastix annulosa is an attractively patterned brittle star with reddish-orange spiny arms banded in alternating light and dark segments. It shelters under live rock during the day and emerges at night to scavenge detritus, uneaten food, and organic matter. Generally reef-safe and an excellent cryptic clean-up crew member for larger established systems.

Acclimate slowly via drip method — very sensitive to salinity and temperature swings. Provide ample live rock caves for daytime shelter. Feed by spot-dropping meaty foods (chopped mussel, shrimp, marine pellets) near the rock it hides under at night. Avoid fish that nip at brittle star arms (some wrasses). Do not expose to air.