There are many different types of starfish for the salt water reef aquarium. One of the most common starfish in the saltwater aquarium trade are the Serpent Starfish .  These Starfish are typically obtained for removing detritus and other aquarium wastes such as dead snails or fish, Serpent starfish are outstanding scavengers that make a great addition to any reef tank

Serpent Starfish are native to the Caribbean and their scientific name is Ophioderma.  They thrive in an environment with temperatures in the 75-78F range and a salinity factor of the average reef aquarium from 1.023-1.026.  They can get as big as 12 inches and are omnivorous scavengers.  They scavenge the reefs live rock for waste as well as meaty foods such as decaying fish. Serpent starfish are mainly nocturnal and will do most of their scavenging at night however they can be active during the day especially if food is offered to them or your tank.

I have witnessed serpent stars can show aggressive behavior to smaller tank mates (gobies, blennies) when not properly fed or if the tank is so clean that they cannot scavenge anything.  They often wave their tentacles around when food is in the water.  If not enough food can be scavenged in your reef aquarium then it is suggested to supplement your serpent starfish  with meaty foods ,silversides, krill or mysis shrimp are among favorites of my serpent starfish.

As with all salt water invertebrates; the use of copper medication in your reef tank is strictly forbidden, please keep tabs on all pH changes and avoid at all costs lifting starfish or any echinoderm into open air as it can get caught in their central disc and will eventually kill your starfish.  Large amounts of rock work are a must for this species of starfish as they use it for shelter, food and safety.  Drip Acclimation is required when first purchased.

The  Video above is one of my serpent starfish reaching for a chunky piece of fish that I was feeding him, this particular starfish is approximately 10 inches long.