Ophiolepis superba
Clarck, 1915
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Description
Ophiolepis superba is also a large species, with the oral disk reaching nearly 3 cm in diameter. The arms carry well developed spines, particularly on the oral side. The disk and the aboral side of the arms are made of relatively regular series of dermal plates The aboral side of the disk is colored with a pentagonal "star" of a contrasting color (burgundy in all observed specimens) extending in the space between the arms. The arms have a series of dark colored rings and light colored rings, 3 of 4 segment wide.
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Distribution
Several individuals have been observed in Dhofar, on the East side of Masirah Island and in Bar Al-Hikman.
IUCN status
Data deficient (DD)
Data deficient (DD)
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Ecology and Biology
Like most other ophiuroids, Ophiolepis superb hides under rocks and rubble. It was found typically between 10 and 15 m. Worldwide, the species can be found in the Indian Ocean, and in the central Pacific Ocean. If the color pattern on the disk and the arms remains throughout the range, the color varies.