Description
Sand Sifting Starfish (Astropecten polycanthus / Sand-Sifting Sea Star)
A useful and naturally burrowing marine invertebrate, the Sand Sifting Starfish is known for its role in keeping sandy substrates clean and oxygenated. It spends most of its time beneath the sand, actively consuming detritus and organic matter.
Compatibility:
Peaceful. Compatible with most reef-safe fish such as clownfish, tangs, wrasses, gobies, and shrimp. Should not be housed with aggressive invertebrate predators.
Reef Compatibility:
Reef-safe with caution. Does not harm corals, but can significantly reduce beneficial microfauna populations in the sand bed over time. Best suited for mature systems with established sand ecology.
Diet:
Detritivore – feeds on organic waste, uneaten food, and microorganisms within the sand bed. Requires a mature aquarium with a healthy, established sandbed to sustain itself long term.
Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 24–27°C
- Salinity: 1.023–1.026 SG
- pH: 8.1–8.4
- Minimum Tank Size: 150L
Care Level:
Moderate to Advanced – requires a mature aquarium with deep, fine sand and stable water conditions. Can starve in newer or ultra-clean systems without sufficient food sources.
Top Tip:
Only add to well-established tanks with a healthy sand ecosystem. Avoid in newly set up aquariums, as insufficient microfauna will lead to poor long-term survival.
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