White Sand Sifting Starfish

The White Sand Sifting Starfish (Archaster sp.) is a highly efficient substrate cleaner that spends its life buried in or moving across sand beds. With its attractive white and beige patterned arms, this starfish not only adds visual interest but also provides valuable ecosystem services by consuming detritus, uneaten food, and microfauna in the substrate. An excellent choice for maintaining clean sand beds in established marine aquariums.

Care Sheet – White Sand Sifting Starfish (Archaster sp.)

Temperament

• Peaceful and non-aggressive

• Constantly active in substrate

Adult Size

• 4–6 inches in diameter

Minimum Tank Size

• 30 gallons (with adequate sand bed)

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 72–78°F

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Salinity: 1.023–1.025

• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

• Nitrate: <20 ppm

Diet

• Detritivorous/Carnivorous

• Consumes detritus, uneaten food, and microfauna in sand

• May require supplemental feeding in sterile tanks

Behavior & Compatibility

• Excellent for reef and fish-only systems

• Compatible with:

  • Peaceful tank inhabitants

  • Reef safe

• May consume some beneficial microfauna

Aquarium Setup

• Deep sand beds preferred

• Mature systems with established microfauna

• Stable water conditions

Care Level

• Moderate

• Requires established sand bed with adequate food sources

Lifespan

• 2–4 years with proper care

Special Notes

• Excellent for keeping sand beds clean and aerated

• May starve in new or sterile tanks

• One per 30 gallons recommended to prevent starvation