Family

Common name: Sand Sifting Starfish

Scientific name: Astropectinidae

Astropectinidae, commonly known as Sand Sifting Starfish or Comb Starfish, is a family of sea stars characterized by their ability to burrow into sandy substrates. They play a crucial role in the aquarium by consuming detritus and aerating the sand bed, which helps prevent the buildup of harmful gases and promotes a healthy environment for other inhabitants. Members of this family are generally hardy and can adapt to a range of conditions, but they require a deep sand bed to thrive and exhibit natural behaviors. They are fascinating to observe as they uncover food items with their unique movement.

  1. Common name: Anderson's Sand Star
    Scientific name: Astropecten andersoni
  2. Red Comb Starfish (Astropecten aranciacus)
    Common name: Red Comb Starfish
    Scientific name: Astropecten aranciacus
  3. Giovane esemplare di stella marina, Astropecten bispinosus, tra la sabbia
    Common name: Bispinosus Sand Star
    Scientific name: Astropecten bispinosus
  4. Sand Sifting Sea Star - (Astropecten polycanthus)
    Common name: Sand Sifting Starfish
    Scientific name: Astropecten jonstoni
  5. Astropecten spiny sea star on silty bottom
    Common name: comb star
    Scientific name: Astropecten polyacanthus
  6. Mediterranean Sea Sand Starfish (Astropecten spinulosus)
    Common name: Sea Sand Starfish
    Scientific name: Astropecten spinulosus