7 Interesting Facts about Starfish
Starfish, also known as sea stars, are some of the most fascinating creatures found in the ocean. With their unique shapes, vibrant colors, and interesting characteristics, these invertebrates are a wonder to behold. Here are 7 fun facts you may not know about these superstars of the sea.
They are not actually fish.
Despite their name, starfish are not actual fish. They are invertebrates, which means they do not have backbones, and therefore, are not part of the fish family. The more accurate name for these creatures is sea stars, which is a tribute to their five limbs.
Starfish don't have blood.
Not having a backbone is one thing. But not having blood is another! Unlike most animals, starfish do not have blood running through their veins. Instead, they have a water vascular system that helps them distribute nutrients throughout their bodies.
Not all starfish are star-shaped.
While many of us are familiar with the five-armed starfish, there are many other species of starfish that do not have the traditional star shape. Some species have many more than five arms, such as the crown of thorns starfish, which can have up to 21 arms!
Starfish can regenerate their limbs.
One of the most impressive abilities of starfish is their ability to regenerate lost limbs. While it can take up to a year, they can regrow an entire body from just one arm and at least one-fifth of their central disk.
They have tube feet that they use to eat.
Starfish use their hundreds of little feet-like suction cups to help them survive. These tube feet contain a glue-like substance that helps them stick to surfaces like rocks. They also use their tube feet to hold onto their food, and they even use them to open up shellfish like clams and mussels.
They digest outside their bodies.
Starfish take their unique eating style one step further by digesting their food outside of their bodies. They extend their stomachs outside of their mouths and envelop their prey with their stomachs. After partially digesting their prey, they draw it back into their digestive glands to complete consumption.
They have eyespots on their limbs.
While starfish do not have actual eyes like humans, they do have eyespots on the tips of each of their arms. These eyespots allow them to detect shapes and navigate through the sea.
Starfish are fascinating creatures that are unlike any other creature found in the ocean. From their unique shapes to their interesting eating habits, these superstars of the sea are truly remarkable.
