TankHaven
Sand-sifting Starfish (Astropecten polyacanthus)

Sand-sifting Starfish

Astropecten polyacanthus

saltwaterhard to keepstarpeacefulswims bottomreef-safe with caution

Usually starves within months in most home tanks. Generally better left in the shop.

In a reef: eats the useful life in the sand bed.

Adult size
8 in
Smallest tank
100 gal
Keep them in groups of
1+
Temperature
74–82 °F
pH
8–8.4
Food
Carnivore: small animals in the sand
Start a saltwater build to add this

Gets along with

Cerith SnailBlue-leg Hermit CrabNassarius SnailAstrea SnailYellow Clown GobyScarlet Reef Hermit CrabTrochus SnailNeon Goby

Think twice about

Blue Devil Damselfish — too aggressive for itValentini Puffer — eats snails, crabs and shrimp and nips coralsDwarf Fuzzy Lionfish — too aggressive for itMaroon Clownfish — too aggressive for itSnowflake Moray Eel — eats crabs, shrimp and small fishPicasso Triggerfish — eats invertebrates and rearranges rock

Easy corals it leaves alone

Kenya Tree CoralGreen Star PolypsColt CoralDuncan CoralBlastomussaMontipora Digitata

Care ranges are typical hobby guidance and vary by source and by where the animal came from. Ask your supplier and watch your own tank. Spot a mistake on this page? Let me know.