Starfish are intriguing and unique creatures that play an important role in the marine ecosystem.Starfish belong to the Asteroidea class within the tribe Echinodermata. This means they are related to sea urchins, sea lilies, and sea cucumbers.

Photo by David Clode on Unsplash

External features

Starfish have a recognisable star shape with usually five arms, although some species may have more than 20 arms. Their skin is often covered with tiny spines, and they have a central disk from which the arms radiate. They vary widely in color, from bright blue and red to subtler earth tones. They have no brain or blood, but use a water vascular system to control their movement and nutrition.

Species and life expectancy

There are over 2,000 known species of starfish, varying in size, shape, and color. Some well-known species include the crown of thorns (Acanthaster planci), the blue starfish (Linckia laevigata) and the sunflower starfish (Pycnopodia helianthoides). Each species has unique characteristics and adaptations that help them survive in their specific habitat.

The life expectancy of starfish varies greatly by species. Some species can only live for a few years, while others can live to be decades old. Their ability to regenerate lost limbs contributes to their chances of survival.

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