[1] Unlike other Ophiocoma brittle stars, they are known for their unique way of surface-film feeding, using their arms to sweep the sea surface and trap food.

[4] Ophiocoma scolopendrina, as other brittle stars, have long, thin arms emanating from a small, disk-shaped body and are about the size of an outstretched human hand.

[5] The star's sexes can be identified by checking slits between the arms, which expose the white male spermaries and red female ovaries.

[6] Ophiocoma scolopendrina can be found in the Red Sea,[7] the tropical Indo-Pacific region, Taiwan, Eastern Africa, Southeastern Polynesia, the Marshall Islands, and Madagascar.

They live primarily in areas with shallow water strictly in the intertidal[1] and are often observed sweeping their arms over sand or coral substrata.

[2] This adaptation allows them to consume neuston and detrital particles and film that are found suspended on the surface of sea water.

During feeding, O. scolopendrina becomes fully exposed and remains attached to the ground by anchoring an arm to a substratum or piece of vegetation.

[10] Outside of flooding tide, these brittle stars simply participate in microphagous suspension and deposit-feeding, behavior that is common for other Ophiocoma species.

[3] Adult Ophiocoma scolopendrina have a heterospecific symbiotic relationship with juveniles of Ophiomastix annulosa in the intertidal zone of Okinawa, Japan.

It is thought that O. annulosa's hooked terminal spines may be advantageous in remaining attached to the host star, as they are difficult to dislodge.

[4] The relationship between these stars has largely been considered a form of brood parasitism, as O. annulosa young are, in a sense, cared for by the O. scolopendrina adults and there is no physical damage to the host organism.