The Sand Star (Astropecten sp.) is a striking marine species known for its distinctive appearance and dynamic presence in marine aquariums.

Distribution and Habitat

Found throughout the Indo-Pacific on sandy bottoms and seagrass beds.

Physical Description

Flattened body with pointed arms, brown to sandy coloration with darker margin plates, marginal spines along arm edges.

Diet and Feeding

Carnivorous, burrows in sand and feeds on small mollusks and invertebrates found in the substrate.

Behavior and Reproduction

Burrows into the sand during the day, emerges to forage, moves through the substrate in search of food.

Aquarium Care

Requires 50+ gallons with a deep sand bed, may eat small snails and sand-dwelling invertebrates so caution needed, needs live sand bed with natural food sources.

Conservation Status

Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.