Sand sifting starfish
Astropecten polyacanthus · Astropectinidae
Also known as Sand sifting star
Intermediate
Turns the sand bed constantly, but strips it of micro-fauna and then starves in small tanks.
In short: A sand sifting starfish needs at least 300 L (79 US gal), water at 24–28 °C (75–82 °F) and pH 8.1–8.4. It is peaceful, usually kept singly, and rated intermediate to keep.
- Minimum tank
- 300 L (79 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Adult size
- 20 cm (7.9 in)
- Group size
- 1+
Reef & marine husbandry
- Specific gravity
- 1.024–1.026
- Reef safety
- Reef safe
- With corals
- Reef safe.
- With inverts
- Eats small snails and sand fauna.
- Minimum in a mixed reef
- 300 L (79 US gal)
- Minimum fish-only (FOWLR)
- 300 L (79 US gal)
- Aggression
- None.
- Feeding
- Spot-feed sinking food under the disc.
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 300 L (79 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Hardness
- 8–12 dGH
- Lifespan
- 3–7 years
- Diet
- Detritivore/carnivore — sand fauna, sinking pellets, chopped seafood.
- Care level
- Intermediate
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Indo-Pacific
- Water type
- Saltwater
- Biotope
- Open sand flats
- Natural conditions
- Large mature deep sand bed; very stable salinity; acclimate slowly.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Minimum group
- 1 fish
- Swims
- Bottom
- Good tank mates
- GobiesClownfishTangs
- Avoid
- Small tanksPuffersTriggers
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Advanced
- Sexing
- Not sexable.
- Notes
- Not bred at home.
- Common ailments
- StarvationShock from salinity swingsCopper poisoning
Will it fit your tank?
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