Sand Sifting Starfish (Astropecten polycanthus)

The Sand Sifting Starfish is a highly beneficial marine invertebrate, known for its role in maintaining a clean and healthy sand bed. This species constantly burrows through the substrate, consuming detritus, uneaten food, and other organic debris, which helps keep the sand bed oxygenated and prevents the buildup of harmful gases. Its peaceful and hardy nature makes it an excellent addition to many marine tanks.

Care Information

• Maximum Size: Up to 6 inches in diameter.
• Tank Size: 50 gallons minimum; requires a tank with a deep, soft sand bed to allow for proper burrowing and sifting.
• Diet: Omnivorous; feeds on detritus, uneaten food, and organic material found in the sand. It will also consume small invertebrates such as worms. Supplemental feedings of meaty foods like mysis shrimp, chopped seafood, or sinking pellets may be needed if the tank does not have enough organic material.
• Water Temp: 72-78°F.
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025.
• Aggression: Peaceful; does not pose any threat to fish, corals, or other invertebrates.
• Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate; relatively easy to care for, provided there is a sufficient sand bed for it to burrow and feed in.
• Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe; will not harm corals or other invertebrates, making it an ideal addition to reef tanks for maintaining the sand bed.

Special Feature - Sand Bed Maintenance
The Sand Sifting Starfish plays a crucial role in keeping the substrate clean by continuously sifting through the sand in search of detritus and uneaten food. This behavior helps aerate the sand, preventing the formation of anaerobic zones, which can lead to the buildup of harmful gases. It is highly recommended for tanks with deep sand beds to help maintain the overall health of the substrate.

Compatibility
The Sand Sifting Starfish is peaceful and can coexist with most fish, corals, and invertebrates. However, it should be kept in tanks with enough organic material in the sand to sustain its diet. If the sand bed is too clean, supplemental feeding may be necessary.

Coloration

• Indo-Pacific Region: The Sand Sifting Starfish typically has a beige to brown coloration, often with darker or lighter bands along its arms, allowing it to blend in with sandy substrates. Its color pattern helps it remain camouflaged while sifting through the sand​.

Typical Habitat

• Distribution: Native to the Indo-Pacific, the Sand Sifting Starfish inhabits sandy and muddy substrates in coastal lagoons and shallow reef environments. It spends most of its time buried in the sand, scavenging for food.