The Stars of the Sea!
When is a fish not a fish? When it’s a starfish! Despite the famous name, starfish are not actually fish. Do you think Patrick from SpongeBob SquarePants knows that? We’re pretty sure he doesn’t mind as they’re both stars in their own right!
Aside from their unmistakable shape, what makes a starfish such a star? Starfish are invertebrates, which means they don’t have spines. They belong to a category known as echinoderms, which also includes sea urchins and sea cucumbers. Cucumbers? Ok, maybe this will help…
There are about 1,900 different starfish species in oceans and seas around the world. Some species can live in polar regions, while others inhabit tropical areas. The smallest starfish are about one inch across; the largest can be up to three feet! That’s a big star! While most starfish have five limbs protruding from a central disc, some species have more! And if an accident or a predator removes one of the limbs, starfish can grow them back!
Dancing with the Stars!
To move, starfish don’t use their long limbs in the way you guess. They have tiny tubes that act like feet under their bodies, propelling them. Their little “tube feet” contract and extend. They clasp onto surfaces. This allows them to pull their whole bodies in the direction they want to move. This can be a slow crawl or bouncy when they are threatened.
Stepping Out with the Starfish
So, as a collection of limbs, how does a starfish eat? Those starry limbs connect to a central body. The central body holds two stomachs: one that breaks down starfish meals. The other stomach absorbs nutrients. Because starfish have no teeth, these two stomachs execute the same role. Additionally, they can even turn inside out to grab and hold food for digestion. And remember those little tubes that help the starfish move? They're pretty powerful at holding things, so they can actually crack open shells of oysters, clams, and mussels! Now that’s star power!
Dressing with the Stars!
As the celebrities of the seas, starfish can deck themselves out in many colors. Some starfish are bright orange, yellow, and even red. Others are purple, green, and blue. Some starfish have patterns, like dots, swirls, or stripes, woven into their colorful exteriors. These colors and patterns work as camouflage against predators or for attracting mates. Yeah, they’re also great for showing off for the camera!
