Order
Common name: Sand Stars
Scientific name: Paxillosida
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.
- 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
- Common name: Seven-armed starfishScientific name: Luidia ciliaris
- Common name: seven armed sea starScientific name: Luidia maculata