Archaster typicus – Sand Sifting Sea Star for Marine Aquariums

Archaster typicus is one of the most popular and beneficial sea stars for reef aquariums. Known for its sand-burrowing habits, this starfish plays a crucial role in keeping the aquarium substrate clean by continuously turning over the sand and preventing detritus buildup and compaction.

Key Features:

• Scientific Name: Archaster typicus
• Origin: Indo-Pacific region
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Diet: Detritivore (feeds on micro-organisms and organic waste in the sandbed)
• Care Level: Moderate
• Minimum Tank Size: 150 liters (40 gallons) with a well-established sand bed

Care Requirements:

To thrive, Archaster typicus requires a deep sand bed (at least 5 cm / 2 inches) as it spends a significant amount of time buried. It is compatible with most peaceful marine fish and invertebrates, but aggressive predators should be avoided.

Note: Due to its specialized diet, this starfish requires a mature aquarium with an abundant supply of natural microfauna in the substrate.