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, there are a number of exceptions. Let us say for instance, the Coscinasterias calamaria and Sunflower stars can have up to eleven arms and twenty-four arms respectively. Eyespots are contained in the arms of starfish that are sensitive to light and responsible for detecting motion.
One of the most interesting starfish facts is that they have the ability to regenerate any injured or lost arms throughout a particular period of time. National Geographic reports that there are a number of species whose arms are home to their vital organs. For that reason, limbs that have been separated from the body can be capable of regenerating on their own and eventually become new starfish over time.
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Starfish Facts on How They Protect Themselves
When a prey is being stalked by predators, the first reaction of the prey is always to flee the scene. It will only be during compromising situations wherein the prey would start to be in fight mode. Unfortunately, starfishes cannot just escape from predators because most of them are generally slow. So they use numerous other defense mechanisms to protect themselves. According to the starfish facts gathered by zoologists, certain species of starfishes have a chemical coating in their bodies More... Starfish Facts
Starfish, also popularly recognized equally as sea stars, common name for 5 orders and about 1500 living species of marine invertebrate characterized by radially arranged arms having locomotory tube feet. Actually, starfish cannot be considered as fish in spite of the name provided to these sea animals. Some known starfish facts are that they belong to the group called echinoderms. They can be found in great numbers in the depths of the ocean and as well as in shallow waters. More... Is your Starfish Still Alive or Already Dead?
In order to tell whether a starfish is alive or dead, you need to observe it. Starfishes do not move frequently, but they move whenever they are fed. The starfish is alive if it is moving. Now, wear a pair of gloves that are waterproof. Gently scoop up the starfish without getting it out of the water. The animal can be stressed by any sudden alterations in its environment, and caused to start disintegrating or to shed their limbs. Being 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... Feeding a Starfish
Nowadays, marine scientists call starfish “sea stars”, since they are actually not fish, but echinoderms. There are more than two thousand species of sea stars. Most of them have five arms, but others are blessed with up to forty arms. The stomach and mouth of the starfish are located on its bottom. These animals usually push their stomachs from their bodies, wrapping them around the food for digestion. When learning how to feed a starfish, identify what type your starfish More... Starfish Facts on its Ancient History
When it comes to researching about starfish facts on their history, it is actually a very difficult process because starfishes are echinoderms and their species hardly leave any trace in their fossils aside from their external ossicles and spines. This makes it extra difficult for the researchers to spot and identify fossils that are strictly from the starfishes. But according to research findings, starfish fossils can be traced back to Ordovician which is roughly about 450 million years ago. There More... Fun Starfish Facts for Kids
Kids are always inquisitive especially if they see something that looks interesting. Starfishes always catch their attention because of their appearance and it will be fun if you give a few starfish facts to your kids if they ask. The first fact that you can give them is that starfishes are not really fish but they are echinoderms. They are more related to sea cucumbers even if they have a ‘fish’ in their name. You may be able to find More... Spines of Starfish Facts
If you find out about starfish facts, you will know that not all species of starfishes have spines on their backs. But majority of the living species have spines which are major parts of their exterior anatomy. These spines are extensions of the external dermis of the starfish which are composed of calcium carbonate. The spines may also be of different color than the rest of the body. Their tips can be sharp and pointed while others can be curved More... |