Starfish Facts on Regeneration
Some of the most fascinating starfish facts are about their abilities in regenerating arms that have been cut. First you must understand why there are instances where a starfish could be missing an arm. The starfishes can actually be bitten by a predator and was able to escape or the starfish voluntarily cut one of its arms so that the predator will be distracted and they can escape. There are also species that cut their arms to reproduce.
The duration of the regeneration process can greatly differ between species. This process can take up to a few months to several years depending on the length that it still needs to grow to full maturity. Even if starfishes can regenerate a lost arm, the open wound can be a cause of problems for this creature since infections will easily be able to enter their systems.
It is always easier to regenerate a single arm than to regenerate a new disc and 4 more arms out of a single surviving arm. But this is possible to some species of starfishes. If this is the case, the starfish actually reproduces asexually since they have cut their own arm to make another starfish. The free arm will be using stored nutrients while it is still trying to generate a new mouth in its disc.
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Structure of Body
Starfish is not really fish because fish is composed of backbones, fins and gills. Starfish is an echinoderm, which is an invertebrate that has a proportional radial body. Instead of scales, starfish species are mostly equipped with a leathery, rigid skin, which protects them against the attack of predators like birds and fishes. Calcium carbonate makes up the skin of all starfishes. Most of the starfish species are equipped with five arms, which extend out of a central point; nonetheless, More... Dissecting a Starfish
When considering dissecting a starfish, you must understand that this creature is a sea animal with a proportional endoskeleton. It feeds on mollusks and moves with hundreds of extremely small tube feet. Now, prepare the necessary tools for dissecting the starfish. These include a probe, a scalpel, dissection tray, scissors and pins. You must wear goggles and protective clothing to cover yourself against debris. Pin your starfish into the tray in such a way that its top view faces you. More... Starfish Facts on its Importance in Nature
A lot of people see starfishes as cute animals by the seashore that you can pick up and take pictures of. But there is actually more to these creatures than just their appearances and colors. Not a lot of people understand starfish facts especially about their contribution to nature. Just like any other animal in the marine kingdom, they contribute a lot in Eco diversity and in keeping the food chain running. Scientists and biologists actually called starfishes as keystone More... Creating a Starfish Artwork
When considering making a starfish necklace, put a sheet of paraffin paper atop any plane surface. Use glue for drawing the starfish shape little enough to be used as a necklace pendant. Use a toothpick for fixing the shape, if you unintentionally mess up your drawing. Create a letter “V” out of a paper clip. Place both ends of this clip into the adhesive at the top of any of the arms of your starfish. Sprinkle glitter or sand lightly More... Preserving a Starfish
The first thing that you will do when preserving the starfish is cleaning it. Use a little mild soap and warm water for washing the starfish. Soak the animal for about forty-eight hours in rubbing alcohol. You do not have to clean the creature first, but you may choose to do so. If rubbing alcohol is not what you prefer to use, you may alternatively use a mixture of five parts water and one part formaldehyde. This solution will give More... External Threats
The greatest threat to starfish is similar one which endangers most other seawater animals: human beings. Starfish needs clean and clear water as its habitat. When humans permit water pollutants to flow into the seas and oceans, these species can get extremely unhealthy and even die. In addition, there are several cultures that allow the eating of starfish. In case too many starfishes are brought away from any area, these beautiful seawater creatures will be deprived of the opportunity to More... Starfish Facts about their Habitat
People who want to learn more starfish facts should also look into the habitat and the areas around the world where starfishes can be found. One key fact that you should definitely know is that starfishes will never survive when not in water. You may see a few of them on the beach but if they do not get into the sea soon, they will have a major electrolyte imbalance within their bodies. This is directly related to the starfish’s More... |