Striped Sand Sifting Sea Star

The Striped Sand Sifting Sea Star has banding across its arms and spends much of its life searching through sandy substrate. Its feeding behavior is easy to overlook because much of it takes place beneath the surface.

This animal needs a broad, mature sand habitat with a continuing supply of suitable small organisms and organic food. It can consume beneficial sand-bed life as well as leftover material. A newly set up or small aquarium can be exhausted quickly, leaving the star at risk of slow starvation.

Do not rely on occasional feeding of the fish to meet its requirements. Observe any offered food being consumed, maintain stable salinity, and avoid tankmates that attack sea stars. The decision to keep one should be based on a sustainable feeding habitat, not simply a desire to stir the sand.