Fancy Tiger Striped Serpent Sea Star
Ophiolepsis superba
Saltwater Invertebrate
Species Group: Starfish
Family: Ophiuridae
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Water parameters
Temp
76-80 F
Temperature
Maintaining a stable and appropriate temperature is critical for the survival of aquatic life.
pH 7.8 - 8.4 potential of HydrogenMeasuring the acidity or alkalinity of water on a 0–14 scale, where 7 is neutral, 7 is alkaline.
NO3 1-20 ppm NitrateWhile less toxic than ammonia, high nitrate levels (above 40–80 ppm) are important to monitor because they can cause fish stress, stunted growth, and harmful algae blooms.
NO2 <0.0001 ppm NitriteIt is a highly toxic, intermediate compound in the nitrogen cycle produced from broken-down ammonia
PO4 0.01 - 0.1 ppm PhosphateIt is essential for plant development but must be managed, as excess levels trigger nuisance algae blooms and inhibit coral calcification.
NH3 <0.1 ppm AmmoniaIt is the primary killer of aquarium fish, causing gill damage, stress, and death
Ca 380 - 450 ppm CalciumSupporting the growth, skeletal structure, and shell formation of corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and coralline algae
KH 8 - 12 dKH AlkalinityIt acts as a shield, neutralizing acids to prevent dangerous pH "crashes" that can harm fish, corals, and plants.
Mg 1200 - 1400 ppm MagnesiumIt enables coral growth by supporting skeletal formation, assists in metabolic processes, and ensures that calcium is available for corals, clams, and coralline algae.
SG 1.023 - 1.026 SG SalinityEssential for maintaining stable, natural water parameters, proper osmoregulation, and stress-free environments for marine fish and corals
ORP 250 - 400 mV Oxidation-Reduction PotentialA higher positive mV indicates clean, oxygen-rich water with high water quality, while low readings indicate high pollution.
About Fancy Tiger Striped Serpent Sea Star
General information
The Serpent Sea Star, Fancy Tiger Striped has a sleek physical build and stark coloration. In fact, unlike many starfish common to home aquariums, Ophiolepsis superba has long, almost spindly arms that radiate from its central disc. But what this sea star lacks in arm girth, it more than makes up for in color form and appetite. In fact, the bands of brown and red that dress the Serpent Sea Star, Fancy Tiger Striped arms give this member of the Ophiuridae family a unique beauty. Plus, this voracious carnivore can make quick work of any uneaten meaty food it finds fallen throughout your aquarium. Native to reefs around the world. In the home aquarium, it requires ample hiding places and plenty of room to roam. The Serpent Sea Star, Fancy Tiger Striped is best kept in larger systems, since it can grow to an impressive 1 foot in diameter from arm tip to arm tip. Even though the Fancy Tiger-Striped Serpent Sea Star is a nocturnal animal, it may eventually learn to come out during the day to eat. It will become sluggish if the nitrate levels are too high. Like other invertebrates, the Fancy Tiger-Striped Serpent Sea Star is very intolerant of sudden changes in oxygen levels, salinity and pH of the water, and cannot tolerate copper-based medications. The drip acclimation method is highly recommended for all Sea Stars due to their intolerance to changes in water chemistry. The Fancy Tiger-Striped Serpent Sea Star should never be exposed to air while handling.
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