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.
- Common name: Anderson's Sand StarScientific name: Astropecten andersoni
- Common name: Red Comb StarfishScientific name: Astropecten aranciacus
- Common name: Bispinosus Sand StarScientific name: Astropecten bispinosus
- Common name: Sand Sifting StarfishScientific name: Astropecten jonstoni
- Common name: comb starScientific name: Astropecten polyacanthus
- Common name: Sea Sand StarfishScientific name: Astropecten spinulosus