Sand Sifting Starfish

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The Sand Sifting Starfish is a fascinating marine invertebrate that spends its time burrowing through the substrate in search of food. As it moves through the sand bed, it naturally turns over the upper layers of substrate while feeding on microorganisms, detritus and other organic matter.

With its distinctive five arms and pale markings, Archaster typicus makes an attractive addition to a mature marine aquarium. It is best suited to established aquariums with a large, mature sand bed, where natural food populations are plentiful.

Because it relies heavily on the organisms living within the substrate, it can struggle in new or very clean aquariums.

Quick Care Guide

• Scientific Name: Archaster typicus
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Lighting: Low to moderate
• Flow: Moderate
• Temperature: 24–27°C
• Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG
• Diet: Microorganisms, detritus and organic matter within the sand
• Minimum Aquarium: 150L+
• Placement: Mature sand bed
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Reef Compatibility: Generally reef safe
• Sand Bed: Deep, established substrate recommended

FAQ

What does a Sand Sifting Starfish eat?

It feeds on microorganisms, detritus and organic material found throughout the sand bed.

Does it actually clean the sand?

Yes. Its burrowing and feeding behaviour helps turn over the substrate and consume organic material.

Is it reef safe?

Generally yes. It does not normally bother healthy corals or fish.

Can I keep one in a new aquarium?

It is best avoided in new aquariums. A mature sand bed with an established population of microorganisms is important for long-term survival.

Common Mistakes

Adding one to a new aquarium

New systems often don't have enough natural food within the sand bed.

Keeping one in a bare-bottom aquarium

Sand is essential to its natural feeding and burrowing behaviour.

Adding too many

Multiple starfish can quickly deplete the available food in the substrate.

Assuming it eats algae

Sand Sifting Starfish are primarily substrate feeders rather than algae grazers.

Allowing the sand bed to become too clean

A visually clean sand bed may not contain enough microorganisms and organic matter to sustain the starfish.