The diet of Astropecten, commonly known as sand stars, primarily consists of small invertebrates found within the sandy substrate they inhabit. These organisms include bivalves, crustaceans, worms, and occasionally, even small gastropods. Sand stars are opportunistic feeders, consuming any suitable prey they encounter as they move across the seafloor. A typical example would be a sand star consuming a small clam it unearths while foraging.
Understanding the feeding habits of these starfish is important for comprehending marine benthic ecosystems. As predators, sand stars play a role in regulating populations of various infaunal organisms. This predation can influence community structure and maintain biodiversity within their habitats. Historically, observations of their feeding behavior have contributed to a broader understanding of trophic relationships in coastal environments.
