Archaster typicus

Muller & Troschel, 1840

Common Sand-Stirring Starfish

Range: Indo-West Pacific Ocean

Size: 6 inches (15 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits coral reefs, and generally found buried in sand

General Husbandry: Occasionally seen in the home aquarium trade.

A sand sifter/consumer of detritus and other small, valuable invertebrates such as small clams, shrimp, snails, urchins and/or other sea stars in the aquarium.

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Echinodermata

Class: Asteroidea

Order: Valvatida

Family: Archasteridae

Genus: Acanthaster

FYI: Personally, was not satisfied with my experience with this species, as my substrate became mostly void of valuable invertebrates. If sand stirring is necessary, the use of a thin rod may be the best way to go, as it will not kill valuable invertebrates.

Sensitive to salinity changes.

Experience Level: Beginner

Diet: Omnivore

Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium

Coral Safe: Yes

Fish Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: with caution

Acclimation Time: Sensitive to specific gravity/salinity changes, therefore be sure to adjust the bag's water to that of the aquarium in which it will be placed by slowly adding small amounts of aquarium water to the bag every few minutes. In most cases, this process should take at least 15 minutes.

Aquarium Hardiness: Moderate

Temperature Range: 72 - 83°F (22 - 28°C)

Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons

Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025

pH: 8.0 - 8.4