Care Level: Moderate
Temperament:Â Peaceful
Reef Compatible:Â Yes
General Description: The White Sanding Sifting Starfish, also known as the Sand Starfish, upon first glance appears drab like many other bottom-dwelling invertebrates but a closer look reveals simplistic beauty of alternating brown and beige bands across its thick, spiny arms. White sand sifting starfish can reach a size of 12″ across and are voracious feeder. More of a nocturnal scavenger, the White sand sifting starfish can turnover large amounts of substrate as it burrows in search of food.
Diet Requirements: White sand sifting starfish are omnivores. They will consume various micro-invertebrates in the sandbed, in addition to uneaten food and detritus. Because it is so efficient at consuming available resources, the White sand sifting starfish should be supplemented a varied diet of frozen foods and high quality flake food. Without supplementation, the White sand sifting star will burrow into the substrate and begin to decay from starvation.
Tank Requirements: A very established, minimum aquarium size of 55 gallons is recommended to house a White sand sifting starfish. Anything less than 55 gallons will need to eagerly provide supplementation of food in order to meet the dietary demands of the White sand sifting starfish. Maintaining stable water parameters is a very important component to the success of keeping this invertebrate; they are intolerable of high nitrates. White sand sifting starfish can be sensitive to temperature and salinity changes. An open, deep sandbed of several inches is required. Given their slow movement, do not house White sand sifting starfish with fish that can harm it, such as pufferfish and certain triggerfish and wrasse species. It is absolutely necessary to take time acclimating a White sand sifting starfish; we suggest via drip acclimation for no less than one hour. Recommended water conditions: 76-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.024-1.026. Limit air exposure of White sand sifting starfish when handling.
Purchase Size: Small: 2″ to 3″
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase size is approximate.
