Archaster typicus
| Latin name | Archaster typicus |
|---|---|
| Local name | Sand Sifting Sea Star |
| Family | Asteroidea - Archaster |
| Origin | East Indian Ocean, Indonesia |
| Max length | 30 cm (11.8") |
| Minimum volume |
400 l (106 gal) 
|
|---|---|
| Hardiness |
Average
|
| Suitable for aquarium |
Suitable with care
|
| Reef safe |
Always reef safe
|
| Aggressiveness | Peaceful |
| Recommended |
Detritus Microalgea (Eg. spirulina) Zooplankton (Cyclops, pods...) |
|---|
This is a popular sea star for marine aquariums as it keeps the sand bed clean.
This sea star might consumed all the detritus and micro organisms in the sand, as a result it might starve to death.
Therefore the sand shifting sea star should only be kept in large reef tanks.
One might be able to feed it by placing food in the sand, but this is not recommended.
Often sold under the name Astropecten polyacanthus.
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.
Ronald L. Shimek. 2004. Marine Invertebrates (PocketExpert Guide) - TFH Publications / Microcosm Ltd. - (English)
Philip A. Purser. Aquarium Sea Stars - Fish Channel - (English)
Richard Aspinall. 2015. Sea Stars for the Marine Aquarium - Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine - (English)