Sand Sifting Sea Star (Astropecten Polycanthus)

Species Name : Astropecten Polycanthus Care Level : Easy Temperament : Peaceful Color : Tan Diet : Omnivore Reef Compatible : Yes Water Conditions : 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025 Max. Size : 1' Origin : Indo-Pacific Family : Astropectinidae Supplements : Trace Elements Sand Sifting Sea Star (Astropecten Polycanthus), the sand sifting starfish or comb sea star, is a sea star of the family Astropectinidae. The specific epithet "polyacanthus" comes from the Latin meaning "many thorned". The Sand Sifting Sea Star, at first glance, seems to be drably colored like most bottom dwellers. But closer inspection reveals a striking beauty and serenity to the alternating bands of brown and beige that dress this invertebrate's thick, spine-covered arms. This peaceful omnivore will effectively clean even the largest home aquarium of detritus and left over food. They sift through the bottom of your aquarium to consume much of the food and fish waste that accumulates there. Add these into an aquarium with a little live rock and more sand to hide in during the day, and they will come out at night to do clean up. To foster its feeding habits, the Sand Sifting Sea Star should be kept in aquariums with large, deep sand bottoms of several inches in depth. Since it is slower moving than most fish, the Sand Sifting Sea Star should not be housed with natural predators, including Puffers. Like other invertebrates, the Sand Sifting Sea Star is very intolerant of sudden changes in oxygen levels, salinity, and pH and cannot tolerate copper-based medications. Like other Starfish, the Sand Sifter should never be exposed to open air while handling. Breeding in the home aquarium is extremely difficult with no distinguishing characteristics to help differentiate between males and females. Even though these sea stars are excellent scavengers, their diet should be occasionally supplemented with finely chopped meaty items. Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2-1/2" Medium: 2-1/2" to 4"