The starfish (commonly as a sea star) is generally found with 5 arms that are attached to a central disc. This central disc is the activity center of the starfish and also contains the mouth of the starfish.
Fast Facts about Starfish
1. There are over 2,000 species of starfish.
2. Although sea stars live underwater and are commonly called “starfish,” they are not fish. They do not have gills, scales, or fins like fish do and they move quite differently from fish. While fish propel themselves with their tails, sea stars have tiny tube feet to help them move along.
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3. While the five-armed varieties of sea star are the most well known, not all sea stars have 5 arms. Some have many more. Take the sun star for instance, which has up to 40 arms!
4. Starfish vary in size. They usually have five to ten inches in length and weigh up to 11 pounds.
5. Most starfish have a spiky shell which offers them protection. Depending on the species, a sea star’s skin may feel leathery, or slightly prickly. This tough covering on their upper side is made up of plates of calcium carbonate with tiny spines on their surface.
6. Sea stars are carnivores who like to eat clams, shells and mussels. They have two stomachs, one of which can be pushed outside the body during eating. This tactic allows them to eat large prey (that cannot be swallowed with their small mouth).
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7. Starfish mouth is located on the underside of its body. Anus is located on the upper side of the body.
8. Starfish do not have a brain. They also do not have blood like other animals. Instead of blood, sea water circulates through their body with the help of sieve plate.
9. During sexual reproduction, males and females release millions of sperm and eggs in the water, where they mix together to form a fertilized egg that develops into new starfish. Female is capable of producing millions of eggs at once. This is important because small portion of the eggs survive to become adult starfish.
10. Starfish can survive up to 35 years in the wild.
