Common name: Indo-Pacific Beach Star

General information

The Sand Sifting Starfish, Archaster typicus, is a popular detritivore in the reef aquarium hobby. It is known for its ability to turn over the sand bed, thereby cleaning and aerating the substrate. This starfish has a distinctive pattern of brown and beige bands across its body and arms, which can vary in number.

While generally hardy, Archaster typicus requires a well-established aquarium with a deep sand bed to thrive. It is a nocturnal species, often hiding during the day and becoming more active at night when it searches for food.

Care

To ensure the health of Archaster typicus, it is crucial to have a sufficient depth of fine to medium grain sand for them to sift through. They feed on detritus, uneaten food, and decomposing organic matter. In smaller tanks or those with limited sand bed areas, supplemental feeding with finely minced meaty foods may be necessary.

It's important to note that these starfish are sensitive to rapid changes in water parameters, so maintaining stable conditions is essential for their well-being.

Reproduction

In the wild, Archaster typicus reproduces by broadcast spawning, where males and females release gametes into the water column. In the aquarium, however, reproduction is less common but not unheard of. Hobbyists may occasionally observe small juvenile starfish appearing in their tanks.

Habitat

Archaster typicus is found in shallow waters across the Indo-Pacific region, often buried within sandy substrates. They are commonly found at depths ranging from the intertidal zone to about 30 meters.

Their natural habitat includes areas with seagrass beds and coral rubble, where they play a role in the ecosystem by consuming organic waste and helping to prevent the buildup of detritus.