Sand Sifting Starfish
Astropecten Polycanthus

Identification: The Sand Sifting Sea Star or Starfish, has a thick, beige to brown body with lateral spines (teeth) extending upward along each side of its five arms. With the help of these spines, it moves over the sandy bottom of the ocean sifting through sand for food. The spines also enable it to burrow into the sand to hide or digest its food

Maximum Length: up to 5"

Origin: Fiji, Tonga

Minimum tank size: 30 Gallon

Behavior: It is very active and effective at moving large amounts of sand as it searches for food. They are omnivores and are great for reef aquariums for eating detritus and left over food

Feeding and diet: Scavenger. In the aquarium, it can be fed small pieces of shrimp, fish, urchins, bivalves, or other small starfish

Reef Compatibility: Excellent addition to any reef.

Cautions: The Sand Sifting Sea Star is very intolerant of sudden changes in oxygen levels, salinity and pH of the water, and cannot tolerate copper-based medications. The drip acclimation method is highly recommended for all Sea Stars due to their intolerability to changes in water chemistry. It should never be exposed to air while handling

Optimum Tank Conditions: 72-78°F; sg 1.023-1.025; pH 8.1-8.4; dKH 8-12

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