Red Bahama Serpent Sea Star

The Invertebrate Red Bahama Serpent Sea Star (Ophioderma rubicundum) is a peaceful species that is reef-safe with caution, admired for its vibrant red coloration, long slender arms, graceful movement, and excellent scavenging behavior.

Males typically show no significant external differences from females but may display slightly more active foraging behavior, while females/juveniles are similar in appearance but may be slightly smaller and less active when young.

They reach about 10–12 inches (arm span) and should be housed in aquariums of at least 75 gallons. Provide ample live rock with crevices and hiding spots, a soft sandbed for burrowing, and plenty of open space for foraging, along with stable water parameters (salinity ~1.020–1.025, temp ~72–79 °F, pH ~8.1–8.4), and a secure lid since many species are prone to climbing and escaping.

Diet should consist of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, and detritus, and with proper care this species makes a standout scavenger and fascinating addition to a marine aquarium.

International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee: All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. On request, we also send photos/videos after arrival at IA. Some species are import-to-order (3-10 business days). Many common species are already cleared or near the end of QT.

Several species will be import-to-order and may take anywhere from 3-10 business days to secure. Once your fish is secured, you will be notified, and the quarantine process will then begin.