Depth
Ophiura · Echinoderms (Starfish, Urchins & Brittle Stars)

Serpent Star

Ophiura ophiura

0-40m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
0-40m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Reef & Open
Habitat
Filter Feeder
Diet
Solitary
Social
LC
IUCN Status
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Echinodermata
Genus Ophiura
Species ophiura

Echinoderm

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationA small brittle star with a round central disc and five long, thin, smooth arms that taper to fine points. The disc is pale brown to grey with darker markings. The arms are banded and highly flexible.
  • SizeDisc diameter up to 2.5 cm. Arm span up to 15 cm.
  • Social HabitCan be found in groups on soft substrates. Burrows just below the sediment surface with arm tips extending above to collect food particles.
  • HabitatSandy and muddy bottoms. Prefers soft substrates where it can partially bury itself.
  • Depth0 to 200 m. Common on sandy substrates throughout its depth range.
  • Feeds OnDetritus and organic particles collected from the sediment surface. A deposit and suspension feeder.
  • DistributionEastern Atlantic from Norway to West Africa, and throughout the Mediterranean Sea. Present in Maltese waters on sandy substrates.
  • DescriptionOphiura ophiura is a common but often overlooked brittle star that lives on sandy bottoms. It is typically found partially buried with only its arm tips visible above the sediment, sweeping the surface for food particles. When exposed, it moves rapidly by rowing its flexible arms, disappearing back into the sand within seconds.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Found across the Mediterranean, inhabiting reef & open environments. Active from the surface down to 40m depth.

Where Malta divers have spotted this species

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Sightings are logged by divers using our What Did You See? dive-log tool. View the full live sightings map.

Detail

Preferred Environment

Reef & Open habitats, typically at depths of 0-40m. Most commonly encountered by divers at the shallower end of its range.

Encounter Tips

Best approached slowly and calmly. Avoid casting shadows directly over the animal. Neutral buoyancy and patience increase encounter success significantly.

Serpent Star species card

Biology

Behaviour & Diet

Reproduction

Life cycle includes a larval phase distributed by ocean currents before settlement.

Seasonal spawning

Dive with diveshack

Where to Encounter in Malta

The following dive sites offer strong habitat match for Ophiura ophiura. All are accessible on a guided dive with diveshack.

5-30m
North Malta

Cirkewwa

Rocky reef with caves, arches and ledges hosting a rich diversity of reef species.

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5-50m
Gozo

Blue Hole

One of the Med's most famous reef dive sites. Rocky walls and archways covered in life.

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18-36m
South Malta

Um El Faroud

The wreck lies on a sandy bottom surrounded by rocky reef -- a diverse habitat attracting reef species.

View dive site ›
IUCN Red List Least Concern

Conservation Status

This species is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Mediterranean populations face ongoing pressure from fishing activity, habitat degradation, and climate-driven changes to prey availability.

Source: iNaturalist Guide #888
by Lesley Clements (CC BY-SA)
diveshack Mediterranean Marine Life guide