Sand Sifting Sea Star

The Sand Sifting Sea Star (Astropecten polycanthus) is a peaceful species that is reef-safe with caution, admired for its sandy coloration, star-shaped body, and ability to keep the substrate clean by constantly foraging. Males typically appear similar to females but may display slightly more defined arm tapering, while females and juveniles are generally smaller with less pronounced features.

They reach about 12 inches in diameter and should be housed in aquariums of at least 100 gallons to accommodate their constant need for foraging space. A deep, mature sandbed is essential, along with stable water parameters (salinity ~1.020–1.025, temp ~72–79°F, pH ~8.1–8.4). While they do not require live rock or open swimming areas like fish, they benefit from a large, undisturbed sandy substrate where they can bury and sift. Their diet consists primarily of detritus, leftover food, small invertebrates, and microorganisms found within the sandbed, but supplemental feeding with mysis shrimp, finely chopped seafood, or sinking pellets may be necessary in aquariums with limited natural food sources.

With proper care, the Sand Sifting Sea Star makes a unique and functional addition to marine aquariums, both for its fascinating behavior and its role in maintaining substrate health.

International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee: All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. On request, we also send photos/videos after arrival at IA. Some species are import-to-order (3-10 business days). Many common species are already cleared or near the end of QT.

Several species will be import-to-order and may take anywhere from 3-10 business days to secure. Once your fish is secured, you will be notified, and the quarantine process will then begin.