Starfish

Starfish or sea stars are echinoderms belonging to the class Asteroidea. The names "starfish" and "sea star" essentially refer to members of the Asteroidea class. However, common usage frequently finds these names being also applied to ophiuroids, which are correctly referred to as "brittle stars" or "basket stars".

Anatomy

Starfish are characterized by radial symmetry, multiple arms radiating from a central body. They have a unique water vascular system that aids in locomotion. The mouth of the starfish is located on the underside of the body, while the anus is located on the top.

Feeding

Starfish are predators, with diets that include mollusks such as clams and oysters. They have a unique method of feeding where they can extend their stomachs out of their bodies and into their prey.

Reproduction

Starfish have a variety of reproductive strategies. Some species are hermaphrodites, while others have separate sexes. Many starfish are capable of asexual reproduction, often by fragmentation.

Ecology

Starfish are found in a variety of habitats from the intertidal zone down to the abyssal depths. They play important roles in the marine ecosystem, often serving as keystone species.

Human Interaction

Starfish have been used in traditional medicine in many cultures and are also popular in aquariums.

See Also

• Echinoderm
• Asteroidea
• Ophiuroids

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