Common name: Sand Stars

Paxillosida is an order of sea stars commonly referred to as Sand Stars. These echinoderms are characterized by their lack of an anus and their ability to burrow into sandy substrates, a behavior that aids in their camouflage and hunting strategy. Members of this order often have a flattened body shape and are found in a variety of marine environments, from shallow waters to deep-sea habitats. They play a role in the benthic ecosystem by preying on invertebrates and are fascinating additions to a reef aquarium due to their unique morphology and behavior.

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
6. Common name: Seven-armed starfish

   Scientific name: Luidia ciliaris
7. 
   Common name: seven armed sea star

   Scientific name: Luidia maculata