Genus
Common name: Sand Sifting Starfish
Scientific name: Astropecten
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.
- 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