The Astropectinidae are a family of sea stars in the order Paxillosida. Usually, these starfish live on the seabed and immerse themselves in soft sediment such as sand and mud. They are not to be confused with species in the genus Archaster, which share similar shape and life habits, but belong to the family Archasteridae (order Valvatida).

Astropectinidae. Retrieved November, 05 2021, from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astropectinidae.

Astropecten armatus, the spiny sand star or Estrella de Arena, is a sea star in the family Astropectinidae. It is found on sandy or gravelly areas in the East Pacific ranging from California (USA) to Ecuador.

Astropecten armatus. Retrieved November, 05 2021, from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astropecten_armatus.