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Banded Serpent Sea Star

Ophiocomella alexandri
Banded Serpent Sea Star

Banded Serpent Sea Star

Ophiocomella alexandri
Other Common Names
Banded brittle star, Alexander’s spiny brittle star
At the Aquarium
Connected Coasts
Other Common Names
Banded brittle star, Alexander’s spiny brittle star

At the Aquarium

Connected Coasts

Appearance

A brown rounded star shaped body with five long arms. Darker brown stripes create a banded pattern across the arms. Like other serpent stars, the arms are long and flexible.

Habitat

On the sea floor of coral and rocky reefs

Diet

Detritus

Life History

Spawning occurs between May and December. Banded serpent sea stars release their gametes around the same time when spawning occurs. Everything mixes in the water and the eggs hatch into small plankton.

IUCN Status

Not Evaluated

Ecosystem & Cultural Importance

As detritus eaters the banded serpent sea star helps recycle nutrients. The old detritus is not only cleaned up, but when the banded serpent sea star is eventually eaten the nutrients from the detritus goes up the food web.
Range
Gulf of California to southern Panama, Galapagos Islands
On the Oregon Coast
This animal is not native to the Oregon Coast, however is found in the larger Pacific Ocean. It lives in the Aquarium as part of our Connected Coasts gallery.
Fun Facts
The name serpent star most likely comes from the tendency for serpent stars to hide under rocks and stick out their arms to collect detritus.

Citations & Other Resources

  • https://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=1306697
  • Granja-Fernández R, Herrero-Pérezrul MD, López-Pérez RA, Hernández L, Rodríguez-Zaragoza FA, Jones RW, Pineda-López R. Ophiuroidea (Echinodermata) from coral reefs in the Mexican Pacific. Zookeys. 2014 May 7;(406):101-45. doi: 10.3897/zookeys.406.6306. PMID: 24843284; PMCID: PMC4023249.
  • Benítez-Villalobos F, Aguilar-Duarte C. Reproductive biology of Ophiocoma aethiops and O. alexandri (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea) from Estacahuite Bay, Oaxaca, Mexico. 2012. Aquatic Biology vol 17: 119-128
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Since opening in 1992, the Oregon Coast Aquarium has been a premier attraction on Oregon’s central coast and an enduring advocate for the health of our ocean. For over three decades this 501(c)3 non-profit organization has supported marine wildlife and fostered environmental stewardship through its education programs, community partnerships, and rehabilitation efforts. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 aquariums in the U.S., providing visitors with opportunities to connect with 15,000 animals spanning 300 different species. The Oregon Coast Aquarium is located at 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Rd., Newport, OR. Learn more about the Oregon Coast Aquarium and its vital work at aquarium.org, 541-867-3474. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for the latest updates.

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