Reef-Safe Sand Sifting Starfish (Archaster typicus)

Maintain a clean, healthy sand bed with the Reef-Safe Sand Sifting Starfish (Archaster typicus), one of the most effective natural detritus cleaners available for marine aquariums. This peaceful starfish spends most of its time just beneath the surface of the sand, consuming leftover food, detritus, and organic waste while naturally aerating the substrate.

Unlike predatory sea stars, Archaster typicus is considered reef safe and is an excellent addition to mature reef aquariums with established sand beds. Its constant burrowing helps prevent compacted substrate while promoting a healthier environment for beneficial bacteria and microorganisms.

Features

• Excellent natural sand bed cleaner

• Continuously aerates aquarium substrate

• Consumes detritus, uneaten food, and organic waste

• Peaceful and reef safe

• Helps maintain a healthier sand bed

• Ideal for mature reef aquariums

• Fascinating burrowing behavior

Care Information

Scientific Name: Archaster typicus
Common Name: Reef-Safe Sand Sifting Starfish
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Safe: Yes
Difficulty: Moderate
Diet: Detritivore (Organic Waste, Detritus, Microfauna, Uneaten Food)
Minimum Aquarium Size: 30 Gallons

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 72–78°F

• Salinity: 1.023–1.026

• pH: 8.1–8.4

Compatibility

Sand Sifting Starfish are peaceful and compatible with most reef-safe fish, corals, snails, shrimp, and other invertebrates. They thrive in well-established aquariums with a mature sand bed at least 2–3 inches deep, where they can continuously forage for food.

Because they rely on the natural life found within the substrate, they are not recommended for newly established aquariums or very small systems, where food sources may become depleted over time.

Avoid housing with Harlequin Shrimp, Triggerfish, Puffers, or other predators that may prey on starfish.

Why Shop with Infinity and Beyond Aquatics?

At Infinity and Beyond Aquatics, we understand that purchasing live animals online requires trust. Every animal is carefully inspected and professionally packed to help ensure it arrives healthy and ready to thrive.

• Carefully inspected before shipment

• Professionally packed in insulated cooler boxes

• Heat or cold packs included when weather requires

• Overnight shipping to minimize transit stress

• Responsive customer support from fellow hobbyists

• Healthy livestock backed by exceptional customer service

Whether you're building your first cleanup crew or maintaining a thriving reef aquarium, we're committed to providing healthy livestock you can count on.

Live Animal Shipping Information

All live fish, corals, and invertebrates are shipped FedEx Priority Overnight in insulated cooler boxes with appropriate heat or cold packs as needed.

• Ships Monday through Thursday only

• Orders are shipped as quickly as possible during our live animal shipping days

• Live Animal Shipping is $39.99 on orders containing live fish, corals, or invertebrates

• FREE Overnight Shipping on qualifying live animal orders of $300 or more

• We carefully monitor weather conditions and may delay shipment if temperatures are unsafe to help ensure the safe arrival of your livestock

• Tracking information is emailed as soon as your order ships

Thank you for trusting Infinity and Beyond Aquatics with your next reef addition!