Sand Sifting Sea Star
Archaster typicus
Sand Sifting Sea Star
Archaster typicus
Asteroidea (Sea stars)
Sea stars can be an essential part of a clean up crew, as many species live of algae and detritus.
Some species are even quite colorful.
Sea stars should not be kept in tanks with high levels of nitrate or phosphate, as they are more sensitive than most fish.
They might begin to "erode" if the water quality is low or if not provided with enough food.
Many species might be able to find enough food on their own in the aquarium, but if they show signs of starvation, one should feed them fish pellets or similar.
Some species are sensitive to air and changes in salinity, so be careful when moving and acclimating sea stars.
Most sea stars in the trade are harmless and beneficial, but one should be careful when purchasing species with spines, as these are often predatory.
Archaster
Linckia
Some sources claim that these sea stars do not eat food offered by the aquarist, therefore it should only be kept in large tanks where it will be able to find enough food on the sand and live rocks.
