Mollusks such as clams, oysters, and snails are famous on the starfish’s menu
First and foremost, despite their common name, starfish (or sea stars) are not fish. Because they lack a backbone, they are classified as invertebrates, which also include urchins and sponges.
There are around 1,600 different species of starfish in the world’s oceans, where they can be viewed in a diversity of habitats such as tidal pools, rocky coastlines, seagrass, kelp beds, and coral reefs.
Some starfish can even be found on 9,000-meter-deep sandy seabeds! Most starfish have prickly skin and five arms surrounding a central disk-shaped body, while others can develop up to 50 components.
Their limbs are wrapped in pincer-like organs and suckers, allowing the animal to move down the ocean floor slowly. They also contain eyespots on the tips of their arms, which will enable the starfish to detect light and darkness and aid in its search for food.
Mollusks such as clams, oysters, and snails are famous on the starfish’s menu. And it has a spectacular eating style! The starfish stretches its stomach through its mouth after connecting its body to the chosen victim.
The stomach subsequently releases substances (called enzymes) that begin to break down the food. This permits the nutritious grub to flow through the stomach and then retract back into the body, where digestion is completed. Certain fish species, sharks, manta rays, and even other starfish are predators of starfish!
These remarkable invertebrates have evolved various powerful defense mechanisms to help protect themselves. In addition to their tough, prickly, armor-like skin, some have vibrant colors that help them blend in with plants and coral or warn off possible enemies.
Starfish are not gregarious creatures; instead, they are solitary and spend most of their time alone. They will, however, cluster in large flocks to feed at specific times of the year.
