Description
Sand Sifting Starfish – Archaster typicus Common name: Sand Sifting Starfish Scientific name: Archaster typicus Origin: Indo-Pacific Adult size: 12–15 cm Temperament: Peaceful Diet: Detritivore / Microfauna feeder Minimum tank size: 200 L+ (mature system) Reef safe: Yes — Overview Archaster typicus is a popular sand-sifting starfish valued for its ability to keep the substrate clean and aerated. It continuously moves through the sand bed, consuming detritus, organic matter and microfauna. Best suited for mature reef aquariums with established sand beds. — Sand Bed Requirements This species requires: • Deep, mature sand bed • Large surface area for foraging • Stable reef water parameters In smaller or newly established systems, it may exhaust available food sources and slowly starve. — Feeding Primarily consumes: • Detritus • Organic debris • Microfauna within the sand Supplemental feeding is difficult, as this species feeds within the substrate. For long-term success, a naturally rich sand bed is essential. — Care Notes • Sensitive to sudden salinity changes • Does not tolerate copper-based medications • Avoid sudden parameter swings • Best kept singly unless the system is very large A useful sand-maintenance species for large, mature reef aquariums with sufficient natural food availability.
