Banded Brittle Starfish
(Ophiolepis superba)

Descrição

The Banded Brittle Starfish (*Ophiolepis superba*) is a captivating marine invertebrate, known for its distinct banded arms and active scavenging behavior. It’s often recommended for its beneficial role in a reef clean-up crew. While generally peaceful, some sources note a potential for larger brittle stars to prey on very small fish or invertebrates if underfed, though this is more commonly associated with other, larger brittle star species (e.g., green brittle stars).

**Consensus on data points:**
* **Maximum Size:** Sources vary. Some state up to 20 cm (8 inches) arm span, others up to 25 cm (10 inches), and even 15 inches (from disc to arm tip, likely total span). A conservative 20 cm seems like a good average for the arm span. Some sources refer to arm length and disc diameter separately, which can lead to confusion when comparing to “total size”. I will use 20-25 cm for maximum arm span.
* **Origin:** Indo-West Pacific, Red Sea, West Indian Ocean, Malaysia to Australia.
* **pH Range:** 8.0-8.4, 8.1-8.4 – 8.1-8.4 seems consistent.
* **Temperature:** 22-28°C, 22.2-25.6°C, 72-78°F (approx. 22-25.5°C). I will use 22-28°C.
* **Lifespan:** Up to 35 years is an outlier; other sources suggest general brittle stars live up to 5 years. Some mention 3-4 years to full grown. Given the variation, “several years” or up to 5 years is safer. Source claims 35 years, which is extremely long for a brittle star. I will use “5+ years” to reflect the general brittle star lifespan while acknowledging some sources suggest longer.
* **Minimum Tank Size:** 20 gallons (approx. 75L), 200L (53 gallons), 55 gallons (approx. 208L), 100 gallons (approx. 378L). This is a significant discrepancy. Many sources state 200L or 55 gallons, suggesting this is a more appropriate minimum for its potential size and scavenging needs. I will go with 200L.
* **Diet:** Omnivore, detritivore, scavenges uneaten food, algae, organic particles. Can be spot-fed meaty foods like shrimp, mussels, fish, pellets.
* **Temperament/Compatibility:** Peaceful, reef-safe, good for cleanup crew. Generally compatible with most marine species. Caution advised with very small fish if the star is large and underfed. Avoid predatory fish (triggers, puffers) or aggressive shrimp/crabs that might harm the starfish.
* **Swimming Zone:** Bottom/substrate, nocturnal, hides in live rock during the day.

Okay, I have enough information to construct the product description. I will aim for consistency and choose the most frequently cited or conservative figures where there’s a range.

**Refined Data Points for HTML:**
* **Scientific Name:** *Ophiolepis superba*
* **Common Name / Variant:** Banded Brittle Starfish
* **Maximum Size:** Up to 25 cm (arm span) (Some sources say 20cm, but 25cm is also cited and fits “up to 10 inches”). Let’s go with 20 cm for conciseness and common size in trade.
* **Origin:** Indo-West Pacific, Red Sea
* **pH Range:** 8.1-8.4
* **Temperature:** 22-28°C
* **Lifespan:** 5+ years (common range for brittle stars, acknowledging some sources state higher)
* **Swimming Zone:** Bottom
* **Care Level (derived):** Easy to Moderate (Generally easy, but sensitive to water quality changes and needs proper acclimation).
* **Tank Essentials (derived):** Minimum 200L (approx. 55 gallons) based on multiple sources and the need for scavenging space.

Let’s proceed with generating the HTML.

Banded Brittle Starfish: The Ultimate Reef Scavenger

Add a diligent clean-up crew member to your marine aquarium with the stunning Banded Brittle Starfish. Its distinctive striped arms will gracefully navigate your substrate, keeping your tank pristine.

Overview
The Banded Brittle Starfish (*Ophiolepis superba*) is a visually appealing echinoderm, featuring slender, banded arms radiating from a central disc. Typically displaying brown or grey hues with striking lighter bands, these nocturnal invertebrates are highly efficient scavengers. They use their flexible arms to move swiftly across live rock and sand, diligently searching for detritus and uneaten food, making them an excellent addition to any healthy aquarium fish community.

Care Level
Considered easy to moderate to care for, the Banded Brittle Starfish is peaceful and generally reef-safe, coexisting well with most fish and invertebrates. They are sensitive to sudden changes in water parameters, requiring slow and careful acclimation. Avoid keeping them with large, predatory fish that might consider them prey.

Tank Essentials
A minimum tank size of 200 litres is recommended to provide ample space for foraging and hiding. Your aquarium should be well-established with plenty of live rock for shelter and a sandy substrate for burrowing. Maintaining stable water quality is paramount for their well-being.

Diet
As omnivorous detritivores, Banded Brittle Starfish primarily feed on uneaten food, algae, and organic particles. Supplement their diet with small pieces of meaty foods like mysis shrimp, chopped fish, or sinking pellets, especially after lights out.

Why Buy From Us
When you buy Banded Brittle Starfish online from us, you receive healthy, responsibly sourced marine invertebrates. We prioritise ethical sourcing and humane shipping practices, ensuring your new clean-up crew arrives ready to thrive in your aquatic environment. Establish your dream aquarium with confidence!

• Scientific Name: Ophiolepis superba
• Common Name / Variant: Banded Brittle Starfish
• Maximum Size: Up to 20 cm (arm span)
• Origin: Indo-West Pacific, Red Sea
• pH Range: 8.1–8.4
• Temperature: 22–28°C
• Lifespan: 5+ years
• Swimming Zone: Bottom

Add this fascinating Banded Brittle Starfish to your clean-up crew today!