Common name: Sand Sifting Starfish

Astropecten is a genus of starfish found in shallow waters and known for their ability to sift through sand, hence the common name 'Sand Sifting Starfish'. They play a beneficial role in reef aquariums by consuming detritus and uneaten food, helping to maintain a clean substrate. These starfish have a distinctive appearance with a central disc and long, slender arms fringed with small spines or 'combs', which aid in their burrowing behavior. They are generally hardy but should be introduced to established tanks with a mature sand bed to ensure they have enough food to thrive.

1. Common name: Anderson's Sand Star

   Scientific name: Astropecten andersoni
2. 
   Common name: Royal Starfish

   Scientific name: Astropecten aranciacus
3. 
   Common name: Bispinosus Sand Star

   Scientific name: Astropecten bispinosus
4. 
   Common name: Sand Sifting Starfish

   Scientific name: Astropecten jonstoni
5. 
   Common name: comb star

   Scientific name: Astropecten polyacanthus