Sand sifting starfish (Archaster typicus) need a well-established saltwater aquarium with a deep, mature sand bed of at least 2 to 3 inches to hunt for microfauna and detritus.
Diet and Feeding
- They eat detritus, uneaten food, and small organisms in the sand like copepods and worms.
- In smaller or cleaner tanks, they run out of natural food and starve.
- Supplement their diet 2 to 3 times a week by burying small pieces of raw shrimp or meaty foods directly under the sand near the star.
- Climbing high up the glass usually means they are searching for food because the sand bed is depleted.
Acclimation and Handling
- They are extremely sensitive to sudden changes in salinity, pH, and chemistry.
- Use a slow drip acclimation method for at least 90 minutes to 2 hours before adding them to the display.
- Never expose the starfish to the air when transferring or handling them, as trapped air inside their water vascular system can be fatal.
- Avoid any copper-based medications in the aquarium, as starfish cannot tolerate copper.
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