Sand Sifting Sea Star Profile

Scientific Name:

Astropecten polycanthus.

Other Common Names:

Sand Sifting Starfish.

Identification:

The body of this Starfish is beige to brown body with lateral spines extending upward along each side of its five arms.

Distribution:

Tropical seas.

Maximum Size:

To 12".

Reef Tank Safe:

No, as they eat all edible life on and in the aquarium sand bed.

Diet & Feeding:

In the wild, this Starfish eats Brittle Starfish, Worms, Snails, Sea Cucumbers and smaller organisms. It an aquarium, they should be fed meaty foods.

Characteristics & Compatibility:

This Sea Star moves across the sediment surface, devouring everything edible, then submerges into the substrate, eating everything it comes across. Once it runs out of food, it will starve to death, unless its diet is supplemented.