Sand Star
(Archaster typicus)

Description

The research provides a good amount of information for the *Archaster typicus* (Sand Star).

Here’s a summary of the data gathered:
* **Scientific Name:** *Archaster typicus*
* **Common Name:** Sand Star, Sand Sifting Sea Star, Sand Sifting Starfish
* **Max Size:** Ranges from 12-15 cm (4.7-5.9 in) to 30 cm (11.8 in) diameter. Let’s go with a conservative, commonly reported range, perhaps up to 15-20cm for typical aquarium specimens, but acknowledge larger. Some sources say “typically reaching sizes of 4 to 6 inches”, others “12 to 15 centimetres”, “Grows to about 15 cm”, “Max Size: 12 cm”. Reef App says “30 cm (11.8″)”. Saltcorner says “6 inches (15 cm)”. I will use 15 cm as a general max size, with a note that some can reach larger in ideal conditions or the wild. The 30cm seems to be an outlier from a single source for aquarium care. Wikipedia mentions 12-15cm for adults. Let’s go with 15 cm as the typical maximum.
* **Origin:** Indo-Pacific region (Western Indian Ocean, Maldives, Bay of Bengal, Indonesia, Philippines, China, Japan, Australia, New Caledonia, Hawaii).
* **pH Range:** 8.0-8.4. Consensus is 8.1-8.4, some include 8.0. Let’s use 8.1-8.4.
* **Temperature:** 22-28°C (72-83°F). Consensus 22-26°C or 22-28°C, 24-27°C, 72-78°F. I’ll use 22-28°C to give a good range.
* **Lifespan:** “several years under proper care”. No specific number found. I will use “[data unavailable]” or “several years.”
* **Care Level:** Easy to Moderate/Average. Generally considered easy, but sensitive to water changes/acclimation.
* **Temperament:** Peaceful. Reef safe. However, some sources warn it might consume small invertebrates like snails, shrimp, bivalves, or other sea stars if not adequately fed. This is an important nuance for “reef safe.” It’s reef safe for corals, but not necessarily for all small invertebrates.
* **Tank Size:** Minimum 10 gallons to 50 gallons to 400 L (106 gal). This is a wide range. The 10-gallon recommendation seems too small given its adult size and need for a deep, mature sand bed for foraging. 50 gallons (≈190L) is more reasonable. 400L seems high for a minimum unless specifically for a very mature tank. Multiple sources emphasize “large, deep sand bottoms”. Given its feeding habits, a larger, established tank with plenty of sand is crucial to prevent starvation. I’ll go with 150-200L as a good starting minimum for long-term health, perhaps leaning towards 200L for optimal feeding. RecifAtHome says 150L minimum. LiveAquaria doesn’t give a tank size for this specific one, but for a similar species, they recommend larger. Let’s aim for a realistic responsible size that considers its feeding needs. A 75-gallon (approx 280L) or larger with a deep sand bed is often cited as ideal to sustain it long-term. Let’s use 200L as a compromise for “minimum” while emphasizing the sand bed.
* **Diet:** Detritivore, consumes detritus, uneaten food, micro-algae, and small invertebrates/microorganisms in the sand. Requires a deep, established sand bed. May starve if food source is depleted. Supplement with sinking pellets, spirulina, zooplankton if needed.
* **Swimming Zone:** Bottom (burrows in sand).

Okay, I have enough data to start drafting. I will use 15cm for max size. Lifespan will be “several years.” Minimum tank size will be 200L with emphasis on sand bed.

**Constraint Checklist & Confidence Score:**
1. HTML Structure: Yes
2. Word Counts (approx): Yes (will monitor during drafting)
3. Tone: Yes (friendly, knowledgeable, trustworthy, second person)
4. Responsible Fishkeeping: Yes (emphasize care, avoid downplaying)
5. SEO: Yes (primary keyword, secondary keywords)
6. Accuracy: Yes (will cross-check all parameters)
7. Ethics: Yes (promote humane, avoid dubious claims)
8. Metric Units: Yes (cm, °C, L)
9. Formatting: Yes (minimal HTML)

Confidence Score: 5/5

Strategizing complete. I will now proceed with generating the response.

Sand Star: Your Aquarium’s Natural Cleaner

Introduce the remarkable Sand Star to your marine aquarium! This peaceful invertebrate actively sifts through your substrate, ensuring a pristine and healthy sand bed for your aquatic ecosystem.

Overview

The Sand Star (*Archaster typicus*) is a fascinating echinoderm featuring five tapering arms, typically adorned with alternating bands of brown and beige. It primarily resides within your sand bed, constantly burrowing and moving beneath the surface. This diligent behavior is crucial for aerating the substrate and preventing anaerobic pockets, making it an invaluable member of any healthy aquarium cleanup crew. While often hidden, its subtle beauty and essential function are undeniable.

Care Level

Considered an easy to moderate species for the dedicated aquarist, the Sand Star is peaceful and reef-safe with corals. However, exercise caution with smaller invertebrates as it may consume them if its natural food sources are insufficient. Always acclimate gently using the drip method and avoid exposing it to air during handling to ensure its well-being.

Tank Essentials

A minimum aquarium size of 200 litres with a deep, mature sand bed (at least 7-10 cm) is essential for the Sand Star to thrive and forage naturally. Maintain stable water parameters: pH 8.1-8.4, temperature 22-28°C, and specific gravity 1.023-1.025. Consistent water quality is paramount for this sensitive invertebrate.

Diet

Primarily a detritivore, the Sand Star sifts through the substrate consuming detritus, uneaten food particles, and microorganisms. In mature systems, it may find ample food. However, in newer or very clean tanks, supplementary feeding with sinking pellets, spirulina, or zooplankton placed on the sand is crucial to prevent starvation.

Why Buy From Us

When you buy Sand Star online from Corais de Vidro, you receive healthy aquarium fish and invertebrates, carefully acclimated and humanely shipped. We prioritize the well-being of our livestock, ensuring your new Sand Star arrives ready to contribute to your vibrant marine environment. Our ethical sourcing and robust packaging set us apart.

• Scientific Name: Archaster typicus
• Common Name / Variant: Sand Star / Sand Sifting Starfish
• Maximum Size: 15 cm
• Origin: Indo-Pacific
• pH Range: 8.1–8.4
• Temperature: 22–28°C
• Lifespan: Several years
• Swimming Zone: Bottom

Add this essential sand-sifting ally to your marine tank today!